Octostim

Brand Name:Apo-Desmopressin, DDAVP Injection, DDAVP Spray, DDAVP Rhinyle Nasal Solution, DDAVP Tablets, Minirin

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Desmopressin is used to prevent and decrease excessive thirst, urination and dehydration that can occur with a condition called Diabetes Insipidus or other conditions (e.g. head trauma or surgery of pituitary gland). It is also commonly used to decrease bedwetting in children.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to it. It should be avoided or used with extreme caution if you (or your child, if being used to decrease bedwetting) have problems with platelets in the blood. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • problems with low levels of sodium in the blood
  • seizures
  • chest pain or congestive heart failure
  • high blood pressure
  • problems with your kidney
  • problems with blood clotting
  • sinus problems, allergic rhinitis or surgery on your nose

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects to this medication include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • nosebleeds, stuffy or runny nose (nasal inhaler)
  • flushing of the skin

These side effects tend to be related to the dose and should go away with time.

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • low levels of sodium in the blood - call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of headache, severe nausea and vomiting, or seizures
  • increase in blood pressure or heart rate
  • seizures
  • a condition called thrombocytopenia - call your doctor if you notice an increase in bruising or bleeding

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine
  • carbamazepine
  • chlorpropamide
  • clofibrate
  • lithium

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Do not take this drug if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.

How to take: If you are using the nasal inhaler, be sure to follow the instructions given to you by your pharmacist - the medication will not work if it is not administered correctly.

Children: Can be used. Be sure not to let your child drink too much water or other fluids. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to changes in water balance in the body.

Pregnancy: Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally.

Alcohol: Drink in moderation. Too much alcohol can cause dehydration or problems with electrolytes in the body. This could increase your chance for side effects to the medication.

Overdose: If you take too much of this drug, your kidneys may be unable to get rid of fluids, which could lead to seizures. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor first.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose, in which case take the missed dose and skip the next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of this medicine.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and direct light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Your doctor may suggest you try to limit the amount of water and other fluids that you drink.