DDAVP
(desmopressin)
Treats certain bleeding disorders, diabetes insipidus, and bedwetting.
Our bottom line
DDAVP (desmopressin) can treat several conditions and comes in different forms. Be sure to take DDAVP (desmopressin) the way your doctor tells you to.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desmopressin)
Upsides
- DDAVP (desmopressin) is effective at treating bleeding disorders and bedwetting.
- Available in several forms as a nasal spray, injection, and pill.
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What to expect from desmopressin, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- DDAVP (desmopressin) can cause you to have dangerously low levels of sodium. Your doctor may tell you to limit how much you drink because too much fluid can make it worse.
- If you have kidney problems, DDAVP (desmopressin) may not be a good treatment option.
- Some people find that the DDAVP (desmopressin) nasal spray stops working as well for them after 6 months.
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What to expect from desmopressin, on one page
Download Fact SheetDDAVP (desmopressin) increases proteins in your blood to stop you from bleeding so easily. DDAVP (desmopressin) also works in your kidneys to stop you from urinating too much.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desmopressin)
Used for
- Hemophilia A
- Diabetes insipidus
- Bedwetting
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Nasal spray
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$731.17
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$733.70
What to expect when you take DDAVP (desmopressin) for Bleeding or frequent urination
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Changes in blood pressure
- Low sodium levels
- Injection site reactions
Side effect rates for DDAVP (desmopressin)
- Stomach pain2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of desmopressin.
People taking desmopressin felt side effect more
People taking desmopressin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for DDAVP (desmopressin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Hyponatremia
DDAVP (desmopressin) can cause dangerously low sodium levels, leading to seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, or death. Your doctor will make sure your sodium levels are normal before you start DDAVP (desmopressin).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking DDAVP (desmopressin)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- DDAVP (desmopressin) can cause or worsen kidney problems. If you already have severe kidney damage, you can't take DDAVP (desmopressin).
- If you have kidney problems, DDAVP (desmopressin) may not be a good treatment option.
- DDAVP (desmopressin) can cause you to hold onto fluids. This can be dangerous if you have heart failure and/or high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you have sudden weight gain or swelling in your arms and legs that doesn't go away.