Desmopressin is used in people with certain bleeding problems (hemophilia A, type 1 von Willebrand's disease) to control bleeding caused by surgery, injuries, or heavy menstrual periods. This medication is a man-made form of a certain substance in the body called vasopressin that helps with normal blood clotting.

Read the patient instructions that come with this product before you start using desmopressin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using, follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle. Spray this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor. If the dose is more than 1 spray, spray half the dose in each nostril. For example, if the dose is 2 sprays, give 1 spray in each nostril.

Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the package.

If this medication is used by a child, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise and help the child use this medication properly.

Limit drinking of water and other fluids while using this medication, especially in children and older adults. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. You may need to use another dose if your doctor directs you to do so. This medication is not used on a regular schedule. Do not use more desmopressin or use it more often or for longer than prescribed.

If using before surgery, give the dose 2 hours before the procedure as directed.

Tell your doctor if your bleeding is not controlled.

See also Warning section.

Headache, runny/stuffy nose, nausea, upset stomach, or flushing of the face may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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.

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 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)

If you become dehydrated, your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin.

Limit alcohol because it can interfere with how well desmopressin works.

Changes inside the nose (such as scarring, swelling, congestion, or blockage) may affect how well desmopressin is absorbed. Tell your doctor if you have any of these changes inside the nose because your doctor may need to adjust your treatment.

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.

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.

See also Warning section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• corticosteroids that are taken by mouth or inhaled (such as fluticasone, prednisone)
• tolvaptan
• "water pills"/diuretics (such as furosemide)

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: headache that is severe or doesn't go away, confusion, drowsiness, sudden weight gain.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication is used as needed for bleeding episodes as directed by your doctor. It is not for regular (scheduled) use.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep the bottle upright. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.