There are some health problems that cannot be solved with a regular pill. In such cases, it is necessary to give artificial hormones that are similar to the hormones that our body produces. If you have a bleeding disorder (for example, hemophilia) or a condition that causes frequent urination, your doctor may have told you about a shot called Desmopressin. So today, let's talk about what this medicine is, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Desmopressin?
Desmopressin is a synthetic hormone made in a laboratory that is similar to a hormone naturally produced in our bodies. It is also known in the market as ``(DDAVP)``. It is mainly used for several reasons.
- To control bleeding: If you have hemophilia A or von Willebrand's disease, you probably know that it can be difficult to stop bleeding even from a minor injury. This medication helps the blood clot, stopping or reducing such uncontrolled bleeding.
- To control urination: Some people have a condition called 'Diabetes Insipidus'. This is when the kidneys excrete more water than they need as urine. This causes them to feel thirsty all the time. The hormone desmopressin controls this excessive urination.
Apart from this, this medicine can be used for other medical conditions as per the doctor's advice.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Your health condition or problem | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Having a history of previous blood clots. | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. |
| Cystic fibrosis. | These patients may have changes in the body's salt balance. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure. | This medicine can affect blood pressure and heart function. |
| Kidney disease. | This is important because the kidneys are involved in the process of removing the drug from the body. |
| Decreased sodium levels in the blood. | This medication carries a risk of further lowering sodium levels. |
| Allergies to desmopressin, vasopressin, or other medications, foods, or preservatives. | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| Being pregnant or trying to conceive a child. | You should discuss the possible effects on the unborn child with your doctor. |
| Breastfeeding the baby. | It is important to know whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection. It is either infused into a vein or injected under the skin. You will usually receive this from a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
But sometimes you may need to use this vaccine at home. If so, you will be given proper training on how to prepare it and how to inject yourself. It is very important to take the medicine exactly as instructed, at the right time. Do not use more than your doctor tells you to.
Important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor for one.
Should this medicine be given to children?
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children. However, there are some things to be careful about when doing so. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it and get advice.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't delay . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
Other things that may interact with the medicine (Interactions)
Some other medications you take, such as alcohol, can interact with desmopressin and interfere with how well it works. For example:
- Alcohol
- Some antibiotics, such as demeclocycline
- Some medicines taken for diseases like asthma and colds
- Some medications to lower blood pressure
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is best to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as well as any Ayurvedic medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. It is also very important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Medical tests: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as your doctor tells you to and have your condition checked. He or she may also order things like blood tests.
- Fluids and food: You need to be very careful about your fluid intake while taking this medication. Sometimes you will be told to limit the amount of water you can drink per day. Follow those instructions exactly.
- If you are losing a lot of water from your body: If you have severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or are sweating a lot, tell your doctor. This medicine can be dangerous if you lose too much water from your body.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, desmopressin can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
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| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
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If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Desmopressin is a synthetic hormone given for specific medical conditions. It is not a generic medication.
- Before taking medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you take. Don't hide anything.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about fluid and diet exactly. Be especially careful about the amount of water you drink.
- Be aware of serious side effects (especially symptoms of sodium depletion). If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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