Desmoda

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to control nighttime bedwetting in children. It reduces how often your child urinates and decreases the number of bedwetting episodes.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking desmopressin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food), usually twice daily.

Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Limit water and other fluids while using this medication, especially in children and older adults. Consult your doctor for more details. If you find that you are drinking more fluid than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

See also Warning section.

Headache, upset stomach, or flushing of the face may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking desmopressin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzoic acid, a breakdown product of benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart problems (such as blocked blood vessels, heart failure), conditions that may increase risk of fluid/mineral imbalance (such as cystic fibrosis), the urge to drink too much water without being thirsty, low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), bleeding/clotting problems.

If you become dehydrated, your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin.

Limit alcohol because it can make desmopressin work less well.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop any illness that can cause water/mineral imbalance (including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, infections such as the flu) or if you experience conditions that require drinking more fluids (such as very hot weather, heavy exercise, or heavy sweating). Your doctor may need to stop or adjust desmopressin treatment, especially in children and older adults.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood.

Older adults may be at greater risk for water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

See also Warning section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: corticosteroids (such as fluticasone, prednisone), tolvaptan, "water pills"/diuretics (such as furosemide).

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: headache that is severe or doesn't go away, confusion, drowsiness, sudden weight gain.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as urine tests, sodium blood levels) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Once the bottle is opened, this medication expires after 120 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.