Desmopressin Acetate

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Desmopressin can rarely cause a low level of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), which can be serious or even fatal. Drinking too much liquid, using certain medications (such as "water pills"/diuretics including furosemide, corticosteroids such as prednisone), being 65 years or older, or having certain medical conditions may increase the risk of low sodium in the blood. Lab tests (such as urine tests, sodium blood levels) must be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of low sodium in the blood, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness/cramps, unusual tiredness, unusual drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, mental/mood changes including confusion/irritability.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including seizure or trouble breathing.

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 that are taken by mouth or inhaled (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 level) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

For the treatment of diabetes insipidus, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day.

For the treatment of bedwetting, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a day at bedtime. Children should limit the fluids they drink after dinner, especially 1 hour before the desmopressin dose until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after the dose. If your child wakes up during the night, limit the amount that your child drinks.

All patients taking desmopressin, especially children and older adults, must limit drinking of water and other fluids. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more desmopressin or take it more often than prescribed.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if this medication stops working well.

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, 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 your risk of fluid/mineral imbalance (such as cystic fibrosis), the urge to drink too much water without being thirsty, a low level 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 interfere with how well desmopressin works.

Tell the 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 (for example, exposure to very hot weather, strenuous exercise, heavy sweating). The 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.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.

If you take 1 dose daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you take more than 1 dose daily and 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.