Desmopressin
Pronounced
"dess-mow-PRESS-in"
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Headache, nausea, upset stomach, flushing of the face, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Rarely, desmopressin may affect your blood pressure. It may cause an increase or decrease in your blood pressure. A temporary drop in your blood pressure may result in dizziness and a fast heartbeat. Ask your doctor for more details, especially if you have heart problems or high or low blood pressure. Tell your doctor promptly if changes in your blood pressure occur or if any of these symptoms occur.
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/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using 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 or low 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), history of blood clots.
If you become dehydrated, your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol can also 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.
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