Desmopressin

About desmopressin

Desmopressin is known as an antidiuretic, which means that it reduces the production of urine. It acts on the kidneys to reduce the amount of water being filtered out of the blood and into the urine.

Desmopressin injection is also used to increase the levels of some clotting factors in the blood and help the blood to clot more efficiently. People with haemophilia or von Willebrand's disease have either a deficiency or a complete lack of some of these clotting factors and therefore have problems with stopping bleeding.

The surgical removal of the pituitary gland in the brain can lead to the over-production of urine and excessive thirst. Desmopressin is also useful following such an operation.

Before taking desmopressin

Before taking desmopressin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart, blood vessel or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy or migraines.
• If you suffer from cystic fibrosis.
• If you are over 65 years of age.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take desmopressin

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take this preparation exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take more than the dose you have been prescribed.
• If you have been given sublingual tablets to 'melt' in the mouth, place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve. If it breaks into pieces as you are taking it out of the packaging, this may mean that you do not receive the correct dose. If this happens, unwrap another tablet and do not use the broken one.
• If you have been prescribed the intranasal solution you will have been told how to measure out your dose. If you are still unsure, ask your pharmacist or practice nurse to show you.
• If you have been given desmopressin spray, prime the spray by pressing several times until you see a fine spray. To receive a dose, tilt your head back, place the nozzle just inside a nostril, hold your breath and press the spray once. Repeat this process in alternating nostrils until your dose is reached.
• If you you miss taking a dose or if you take more doses than you have been told to, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Getting the most from your treatment

• While you are taking desmopressin do not drink large quantities of fluids as this can lead to a build up of water in your body.
• If you are taking desmopressin for bedwetting or passing water during the night, it is important that you drink as little as possible from 1 hour before taking your dose to 8 hours afterwards.
• If you suffer from any gastro-intestinal upset that includes sickness or diarrhoea while you are taking desmopressin, miss out your dose of desmopressin until you are drinking normally again. If you are unsure about whether to miss a dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• You may also be advised not to swim while you are being treated with desmopressin. If you wish to go swimming, ask your doctor for advice.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with desmopressin.

Can desmopressin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store desmopressin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. The intranasal solution and the injection should be refrigerated.

Important information about all medicines