Desmopressin (Into the nose)

Introduction

Desmopressin (des-moe-PRES-in)

Prevents or controls thirst and frequent urination caused by diabetes insipidus and certain brain injuries.

Brand Name(s)

DDAVP, Minirin, Stimate, DDAVP Rhinal Tube

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

How to Use This Medicine

Spray, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Rinse the tip of the nasal spray with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. The bottle contains enough medicine for 50 doses. Any liquid that is left in the bottle after 50 doses are taken should be thrown away.
• The Rhinal Tube is a soft plastic tube with numbers (doses) marked on the side. Draw the drops into the tube until the liquid reaches the number of your dose. Put one end of the tube into your nose and the other end into your mouth. Blow gently until all the medicine has sprayed into your nose. Do not let any medicine run down through the tube into your mouth.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.Never swallow this medicine.
• After using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.
• Your doctor may limit the amount of fluids or water you drink each day while using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the nasal spray in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The rhinal tube should be stored in the refrigerator, do not freeze. For travelers, desmopressin is good for 3 weeks at room temperature.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood pressure or heart medicines (such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, or Zestril®) or medicine to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, Celexa®, Effexor®, Lexapro?, Paxil®, or Zoloft®). Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamezepine, lamotrigine, Carbatrol®, Lamictal®, or Tegretol®), chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), narcotic pain relievers, or pain or arthritis medicine called "NSAIDs" (such as ibuprofen, Aleve®, Celebrex®, or Vioxx®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel problems, kidney disease, nose injury or infection, problems with fluid balance such as cystic fibrosis, or have had heart bypass surgery.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing; or chest pain after you use this medicine.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Nosebleeds or painful nostrils.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Seizures, tremors, or chills.
• Severe headache or dizziness that does not go away.
• Swelling of your feet, legs, or ankles.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Red, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes.
• Runny or stuffy nose.