DDAVP (nasal)

DDAVP is a man-made version of a hormone that is naturally found in the pituitary gland. This hormone influences blood pressure, kidney function, and how the body uses water.

DDAVP is used to treat central cranial diabetes insipidus, as well as increased thirst and urination caused by head surgery or head trauma.

Stimate is used to manage bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A or von Willebrand's disease Type I.

Noctiva is used to treat excessive urination at night in adults who are at least 50 years old. Noctiva should not be used for treating bedwetting at night.

DDAVP may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Limit how much water and other fluids you drink. Drinking too much water can make your body lose sodium, which may lead to a serious and life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Serious drug interactions can happen when certain medicines are taken together. Let your doctor know if you are also using a diuretic or steroid medicine.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of low sodium, such as headache, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and feeling drowsy or restless.

You should not use DDAVP if you are allergic to DDAVP.

Depending on your condition, you may not be able to use DDAVP if you have:

• a history of hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body);
• uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• congestive heart failure;
• moderate to severe kidney disease;
• SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion); or
• a fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea or any other condition that can cause excessive thirst, dehydration, or an electrolyte imbalance.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with DDAVP. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you also use:

• a "loop" diuretic (water pill)--bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, torsemide; or
• an oral, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine--budesonide, dexamethasone, fluticasone, mometasone, prednisone, and many others.

DDAVP may be less effective if you have any swelling or scarring inside your nose, or any nasal or sinus problems (such as deviated septum).

Tell your doctor if you have:

• nasal problems such as a runny or stuffy nose;
• a psychologic disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst;
• an infection or illness with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;
• kidney disease or being unable to urinate;
• a head injury or brain tumor;
• cystic fibrosis; or
• diabetes.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. DDAVP should not be used to treat excessive urination that is a normal condition of pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

DDAVP may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• signs of low sodium--headache, confusion, hallucinations, muscle pain or weakness, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and feeling restless or irritable;
• rapid weight gain, swelling in your feet or ankles;
• a seizure (convulsions); or
• nasal problems--runny or stuffy nose, sinus congestion.

Children and older adults may be more likely to have low sodium.

Common side effects of DDAVP may include:

• stuffy nose, runny nose, sinus pain, sneezing, nosebleeds, discomfort in your nose;
• sore throat, cough;
• dizziness;
• increased blood pressure;
• nausea, stomach cramps;
• headache, back pain; or
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your doctor may perform urine tests to make sure DDAVP is the right medicine for you.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Before your first use, prime the nasal spray with 4 to 5 test sprays into the air. Prime again whenever the spray hasn't been used in longer than 3 days.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, fever, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

You may need frequent medical tests, and your doctor may change your dose based on the results. If you stop using DDAVP, you may need blood or urine tests before you start using it again.

Limit your intake of water and other fluids while you are using DDAVP. Drinking too much water can cause your body to lose sodium, which may lead to a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Fluid restriction is especially important in children and older adults using DDAVP. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle in an upright position when not in use.

Store unopened Noctiva in the refrigerator. After opening, keep the medicine at room temperature and use it within 60 days.

Store DDAVP Rhinal Tube in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If refrigeration is not available, you may keep the closed bottles at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Keep track of how many sprays you've used from each bottle. Each brand of desmopressin nasal contains a specific number of sprays per bottle.

Throw away the spray bottle after using the specified number of sprays, even if there is medicine left inside. Do not try to pour it into a new bottle. Do not use this medicine past the expiration date on the label.

If you use DDAVP to treat bleeding episodes, get medical attention if this medicine does not control your bleeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, confusion, drowsiness, rapid weight gain, or urination problems.

To help prevent night-time urination, avoid drinking a lot of liquid close to bedtime.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking. Some may interact with DDAVP, especially:

• any other nasal medicine;
• an antidepressant;
• bladder or urinary medicines;
• cold or allergy medicine;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• heart or blood pressure medication;
• medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia;
• a steroid medicine;
• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, lamotrigine; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect DDAVP, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.