Hyponatremia, or a low level of sodium in the blood, can be a dangerous and even fatal side effect of desmopressin nasal. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH, a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of a natural substance that causes the body to retain water), low sodium levels in your blood, frequent thirst, or excessive fluid consumption. Infections, fevers, and stomach or intestinal illnesses with vomiting or diarrhea should also be mentioned to your doctor.
If you suffer any of the following side effects while receiving therapy, let your doctor know right away: headache, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, weight gain, loss of appetite, irritability, lethargy, sleepiness, dizziness, muscular cramps, seizures, disorientation, loss of consciousness, or hallucinations.
Tell your doctor if you are taking a loop diuretic (“water pills”) such as bumetanide, furosemide (Lasix), or torsemide; an inhaled steroid such as beclomethasone (Beconase, QNasl, Qvar), budesonide (Pulmicort, Rhinocort, Uceris), fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent), or mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex); or an oral steroid such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), or prednisone (Rayos). If you take or use one of these drugs, your doctor will likely advise against using desmopressin nasal. Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. Before and during your therapy, your doctor will request tests to assess your salt levels in order to see how your body is responding to desmopressin nasal. Discuss the potential risks of using desmopressin nasal with your doctor.
Why Prescribe?
A specific kind of diabetes insipidus (often known as “water diabetes,” a condition in which the body generates an excessive amount of urine) is managed with desmopressin nasal (DDAVP). Desmopressin nasal (DDAVP) is also used to treat excessive thirst and abnormally large amounts of urine passing through the body after some type of surgery or after a head injury. Adults who awaken at least twice per night to urinate are treated with desmopressin nasal (Noctiva) to reduce frequent nighttime urine.
Desmopressin nasal (Stimate) is used to treat specific types of bleeding in patients with certain blood levels of von Willebrand’s disease and hemophilia, a condition in which the blood does not clot normally. Antidiuretic hormones are a class of drugs that includes desmopressin nasal. It functions by substituting the hormone vasopressin, which the body normally produces to assist balance the amount of salt and water.
How to use it
Desmopressin nasal is available as a nasal spray and a liquid that is injected into the nose through a rhinal tube (a tiny plastic tube put in the nose to deliver medication). Typically, it is utilized once to three times per day. Desmopressin nasal (Stimate) is administered once or twice daily to treat von Willebrand’s disease and hemophilia. Stimate is often administered two hours prior to surgery if it is needed. One spray of desmopressin nasal (Noctiva) is often used 30 minutes before bedtime to treat frequent nightly urination. It can be administered in either the left or right nostril. Every day, use desmopressin nasal at around the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following.
As recommended, use nasal desmopressin. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often. Two distinct concentrations of desmopressin nasal spray (Noctiva) are offered. These goods can’t be used in place of one another. Make sure you get the appropriate medication each time your prescription is filled. Speak with your doctor and pharmacist right away if you believe you were given the incorrect strength. Depending on your situation, your doctor may start you on a low dose of desmopressin nasal and then adjust it. Pay close attention to these guidelines. If you intend to use the nasal spray, you should check the manufacturer’s details to determine how many sprays are in your container.
Do not count the priming sprays when counting the amount of sprays you use. Even if the bottle still has some medication in it, throw it away after using the recommended number of sprays because additional sprays might not contain the complete recommended dosage. Never attempt to transfer unused medication to a different bottle. Read the printed directions included with the medication before using desmopressin nasal for the first time. Make sure you know how to use the spray or rhinal tube and how to prepare the bottle before using it for the first time. If you have any concerns about how to take this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Special Precautions
Before using desmopressin nasal,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to desmopressin, any other medications, or any ingredients in desmopressin nasal spray. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know if you use or plan to start taking any other medications, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal items, and prescription and non-prescription drugs. Mention any of the following medications as well as those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, including aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), chlorpromazine, other medications used in the nose, lamotrigine (Lamictal), narcotic (opiate) painkillers, Tricyclic antidepressants, also known as “mood elevators,” include amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use desmopressin nasal.
- If you have cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that affects breathing, digestion, and reproduction, or if you have ever had urine retention, let your doctor know. Additionally, let your doctor know if you’ve recently had surgery on your head or face, have a stuffy or runny nose, have scarring or swelling inside your nose, or have atrophic rhinitis (a condition where the nasal lining contracts and the inside of the nose fills with dry crusts). If you experience a runny or stuffy nose at any point while undergoing therapy, call your doctor.
- Be honest with your doctor about any current or future pregnancies and breastfeeding. Call your physician if you conceive while taking desmopressin.
Particular Diet
During your desmopressin medication, your doctor might advise you to reduce the number of liquids you consume, especially in the evening. To avoid significant side effects, strictly follow your doctor’s instructions.
Untaken Dose
Use the missed dose of desmopressin nasal (DDAVP) or (Stimate) as soon as you remember it if you are taking it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one. If you are taking Noctiva (desmopressin nasal), omit the dose you missed and take the following dose at the scheduled time. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.
Side Effects
Desmopressin nasal may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- weakness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- warm feeling
- nosebleed
- nostril pain, discomfort, or congestion
- itchy or light-sensitive eyes
- back pain
- sore throat, cough, chills, or other signs of infection
- flushing
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- vomiting
- chest pain
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- rash
- hives
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Other adverse effects of desmopressin nasal are possible. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medicine, let your doctor know.
Additional Information
Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist. You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.
Experience the potential of DDAVP (Desmopressin Acetate) in achieving hydration harmony and better health. Don’t miss out on the chance to improve your well-being – explore the benefits of DDAVP at Better You Rx pharmacy today. Your journey to optimal hydration begins here.
