Desmopressin is a hormone.
It helps to control the symptoms of diabetes insipidus ("water diabetes") where the body produces an abnormally large amount of urine.
Desmopressin is also used to control excessive thirst and to reduce the production of an abnormally large amount of urine that occurs after a head injury or after certain types of surgery.
Desmopressin can also be used to treat certain bleeding disorders.
Desmopressin may also be used to test the ability of the body to dissolve blood clots that have formed.
Use Desmopressin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Desmopressin must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using it even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor.
Desmopressin is available as a nasal liquid or nasal spray.
Your doctor will advise you about how much and how often to use Desmopressin nasal liquid or nasal spray.
Make sure you know how to use your nasal spray or liquid. If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not share your nasal spray or liquid with others as it could spread infection.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
- kidney disease
- a bleeding disorder known as von Willebrand's Disease type IIB
- low sodium in the blood
Alert your doctor if you often have a swollen, stuffy or blocked nose or if the inside of your nose is scarred. This may affect the absorption of Desmopressin.
Alert your doctor if you are taking diuretics (water pills) such as frusemide, bumetanide and similar medicines.
Inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or any other illnesses:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- cystic fibrosis
- bleeding disorders
- nasal infection, stuffy or runny nose
- conditions which cause water and salt imbalance in your body
- any mood or psychiatric conditions
Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor about how to manage your medicine when you have an episode of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or infection.
While you are being treated with Desmopressin, you may need to limit the amount of water or other fluids that you take. Your doctor will advise you about how much water or fluid you can take.
Side effects of Desmopressin include headache, stomach pain, nausea, blocked or stuffy nose and nose bleeds.
Alert your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or refuse to go away.
Other side effects are less common but may need urgent medical attention. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
- prolonged headache
- confusion
- restlessness
- unexplained and significant weight gain
- extreme tiredness
- muscle weakness
- muscle cramps or spasms
- severe or persistent nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
Alert your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- diuretics (water pills) such as frusemide, bumetanide and similar medicines
- antidepressants eg fluoxetine
- painkillers of the NSAIDs type eg ibuprofen, indomethacin
- medicines to treat mental illness eg chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine
- epilepsy (fits or seizures) medicines eg carbamazepine, lamotrigine
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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