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Desmopressin Coupon - Desmopressin 0.2mg tablet

desmopressin

Generic Ddavp
Used for Hemophilia, Bed Wetting, Von Willebrand Disease, Diabetes Insipidus
Used for Hemophilia, Bed Wetting, Von Willebrand Disease, Diabetes Insipidus

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a lab-made version of the hormone vasopressin that helps your body hold on to more fluids. The oral forms of this medication treat conditions related to your body making too much urine, such as central diabetes insipidus and bedwetting, in children and adults. Desmopressin (DDAVP) also comes as an injection that's given by healthcare providers to treat problems related to blood clotting (hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease). Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headaches and low blood sodium levels.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 5, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Desmopressin (DDAVP)?

What is Desmopressin (DDAVP) used for?

How Desmopressin (DDAVP) works

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic vasopressin analog, which means it's a man-made form of a natural hormone in your body called vasopressin. It works in your kidneys to balance fluids in your body and stop you from making too much urine. It also raises the number of proteins in your blood to stop you from bleeding so easily.

Are you looking for information on desmopressin nasal spray instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDDAVP, Nocdurna
Drug ClassSynthetic vasopressin analog
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Desmopressin (DDAVP)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Oral tablets:
  • Headache (4%)
Sublingual tablets:
  • Dry mouth (up to 14%)
  • Low sodium levels in your blood (up to 4%)
  • Headache (up to 4%)
  • Dizziness (up to 3%)

Other Side Effects

Oral tablets:
  • Abnormal thoughts
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling (edema)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Low sodium levels in your blood (hyponatremia): headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, weight gain, muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms, loss of appetite, seizures
  • Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Chills

confusion

cough

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

drowsiness

fever

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

seizures

skin rash, hives, or itching

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Blurred vision

body aches or pain

chest pain

decreased urine output

ear congestion

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

headache

increased thirst

loss of consciousness

loss of voice

muscle pain or cramps

nausea

nervousness

nosebleed

pounding in the ears

runny or stuffy nose

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sore throat

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Bloody nose

burning, dry, or itching eyes

diarrhea

eye discharge or excessive tearing

indigestion

loss of appetite

passing gas

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

stomach pain, fullness, or discomfort

Incidence not known

Belching

feeling of warmth

heartburn

redness of the face, neck, arms, and upper chest

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

stomach cramps

trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Desmopressin (DDAVP)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat nocturia, bedwetting, and bleeding conditions

Works quickly within 30 minutes to 1 hour

Your provider can adjust the dose based on your response for some conditions.

Oral tablet is available in a lower-cost generic form

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause dangerously low levels of sodium so you might need to have occasional blood tests done

Might not be a good treatment option if you have kidney problems

The sublingual tablets aren't approved for children

The sublingual tablets are brand only

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Desmopressin (DDAVP)

pharmacist

  • Your healthcare provider might want you to limit the fluids you drink while you're taking desmopressin (DDAVP). Follow their instructions carefully to prevent low sodium levels in your body.

    • You can take desmopressin (DDAVP) with or without food. It might take longer for desmopressin (DDAVP) to work if you take it with food, but it won't change how well the medication works.

      • If you're taking the oral tablets for bedwetting, take the medication at bedtime.

        • If you're taking the sublingual tablets for nighttime urination, take the medication 1 hour before bedtime, and empty your bladder before bed as well. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol before bed because they can cause your body to make more urine.

          • If you're taking the sublingual tablets, don't push the tablet out of the foil as you're opening it. Also, don't take the tablet out of the foil until you're ready to take the medication. When you take it, keep it under your tongue until it's completely dissolved. You don't need to drink water afterwards.

            • Make sure to get any labs ordered by your provider done on time, so they can make sure desmopressin (DDAVP) isn't causing side effects, such as low blood sodium levels.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Desmopressin (DDAVP)

              How long does desmopressin (DDAVP) take to work?
              How long it takes for desmopressin (DDAVP) to work depends on which form of the medication you're using. Oral tablets work in about 1 hour, while tablets placed under the tongue (sublingual tablets) work in about 30 minutes to lessen urination. The IV medication works in about 30 minutes to raise factor VIII levels, an important protein needed to form blood clots.
              Can desmopressin (DDAVP) cause kidney problems?
              Desmopressin (DDAVP) isn't known to cause kidney problems. But you might not be able to take this medication if you already have kidney problems because you're at higher risk for low blood sodium levels, a very serious side effect. If you have mild kidney problems, your provider might prescribe desmopressin (DDAVP) if you and your provider think the benefits are greater than the risk of harm. In this case, your provider will likely monitor your kidney health through blood work regularly while you're taking this medication. Let your provider know right away if you notice symptoms of low blood sodium levels, such as nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
              Can desmopressin (DDAVP) cause hyponatremia?
              Yes, desmopressin (DDAVP) can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Desmopressin (DDAVP) works by telling your body to hold on to more fluid. This dilutes (make weaker) the sodium in your body and causes your sodium levels to drop. Low blood sodium levels can be dangerous because severe cases can lead to seizures and coma. To prevent this from happening, make sure to limit how much fluid you're drinking 1 hour before until 8 hours after taking a dose of desmopressin (DDAVP). Let your provider know if you experience early symptoms of hyponatremia, such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, or muscle spasms.
              Can you take desmopressin (DDAVP) long-term?
              Talk with your provider if you're not sure how long you should take desmopressin (DDAVP). Studies that looked at long-term (about 1 year) use of desmopressin (DDAVP) showed that this medication works well and is generally well-tolerated by people who took it for nocturia (frequent nighttime urination). But at the same time, taking desmopressin (DDAVP) long-term can raise your risk for low blood sodium levels, a potentially serious side effect. If you and your provider decide that you need to take desmopressin (DDAVP) for a longer period of time, they'll likely check your labs often to make sure your sodium levels are within a safe range.
              How to take desmopressin (DDAVP) for bedwetting?
              If your child is taking desmopressin (DDAVP) for bedwetting, they should take their dose at bedtime. They're recommended to stop drinking fluids 1 hour before taking desmopressin (DDAVP) until the next morning, or at least for 8 hours after the dose. Limiting fluid while taking this medication is important in preventing low sodium levels, a serious side effect that can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and muscle spasms. Talk with your child's provider if you've more questions about how they should take desmopressin (DDAVP).
              How is desmopressin (DDAVP) administered?
              Desmopressin (DDAVP) can be taken by mouth as an oral tablet, sublingual (under the tongue) tablet that dissolves, or as an injection into the veins or fat under the skin. Your provider will help you decide the best dosage form for you.
              Is desmopressin (DDAVP) an anticholinergic?
              No, desmopressin (DDAVP) isn't an anticholinergic medication. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a manmade version of vasopressin (also known as anti-diuretic hormone), a natural hormone produced by our bodies. But similar to some anticholinergic medications, desmopressin (DDAVP) is prescribed to treat conditions related to frequent urination. But desmopressin (DDAVP) and these anticholinergic medications, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol), work in different ways and don't treat the exact same conditions.
              Is DDAVP the same as desmopressin?
              Yes, DDAVP is one of the brand names of desmopression. DDAVP comes as a tablet and injection. It treats the same medical conditions as generic desmopressin tablet and injection. But DDAVP doesn't treat nocturia (a lot of urination at nighttime) in adults; only brand name Nocdurna is approved for this condition.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Desmopressin (DDAVP)?

              Desmopressin (DDAVP) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Low sodium levels

              • Risk factors: Drinking an extreme amount of fluids | Conditions that cause fluid or electrolyte problems | Taking certain water pills (loop diuretics) or certain steroid medications | Older age | Taking other medications that can cause low sodium levels | Female

                Desmopressin can cause dangerously low sodium levels in your blood, which can lead to seizures, coma, respiratory arrest (can't breathe), or death. To lower your risk, your provider will likely have you limit the amount of fluids you drink. Don't take the sublingual tablet, Nocdurna (desmopressin), if you drink an extreme amount of fluids, have conditions that cause fluid or electrolyte problems, or if you take certain water pills (loop diuretics) or certain steroid medications. These can put you at higher risk of seriously low sodium levels. Your healthcare provider will make sure your sodium levels are normal before you start Nocdurna. If you experience headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, weight gain, muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms, loss of appetite, or seizures, let your provider know right away.

                risk-warning

                Fluid retention

                • Risk factors: History of heart failure or uncontrolled high blood pressure | Problems fully emptying your bladder | High pressure in your skull

                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) can cause you to hold onto fluids in your body. This can be dangerous if you have heart failure, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can be worsened by having too much fluid in the body. Don't take Nocdurna (desmopressin) if you have heart failure or high blood pressure that's not controlled. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have sudden weight gain or swelling in your arms and legs that doesn't go away.

                  risk-warning

                  Allergic reactions

                  Although rare, desmopressin (DDAVP) can cause severe allergic reactions, such as rash, blistering, trouble breathing, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat. Go to the emergency room right away if you experience any of these.

                  dosage

                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 60 tablets of 0.2mg of Desmopressin (DDAVP) is $24.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 90.91% off the average retail price of $263.99.
                  nasal spray
                  Nasal spray
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5ml of 0.01%1 nasal spray$52.06$52.06
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  0.1mg60 tablets$31.08$0.52
                  0.2mg60 tablets$24.00$0.40
                  vial
                  Vial
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1ml of 4mcg/ml5 vials$36.00$7.20
                  10ml of 4mcg/ml1 vial$141.60$141.60

                  Typical dosing for Desmopressin (DDAVP)

                  Central diabetes insipidus

                  • Adults and children ages 4 years and older: The typical starting dose is 0.05 mg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will adjust your dose as needed. The typical dose ranges from 0.1 mg to 0.8 mg daily total, split into 2 to 3 smaller doses, and taken throughout the day.

                  Bedwetting

                  • Children ages 6 years and older: The typical starting dose is 0.2 mg by mouth at bedtime. Your provider might raise your dose as needed. The maximum dose is 0.6 mg at bedtime.

                  Nocturia (Brand name Nocdurna only)

                  • Females (adult): The typical dose is 27.7 mcg dissolved under the tongue, an hour before bedtime.

                  • Males (adult): The typical dose is 55.3 mcg dissolved under the tongue, an hour before bedtime.

                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) is also available as an injection to treat diabetes insipidus, hemophilia A, and von Willebrand’s disease. It can be injected into the veins (IV) or under your skin by a healthcare provider.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Desmopressin (DDAVP) and other drugs

                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Desmopressin (DDAVP). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Desmopressin (DDAVP) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Ddavp (brand)
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                  $24.00

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                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) (generic)
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                  $24.00

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Desmopressin (DDAVP) will not be safe for you to take.

                  Sublingual tablets only:

                  • Extreme thirst (polydipsia)

                  • Take certain water pills (loop diuretics)

                  • Take certain steroid medications (e.g., pills or inhalers)

                  • Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)

                  • Conditions that cause fluid or electrolyte problems

                  • Heart failure

                  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Desmopressin (DDAVP)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Desmopressin (DDAVP). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Desmopressin (DDAVP)
                  Used for:
                  $24.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Oxybutynin
                  Used for:

                  • Overactive bladder

                  • Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida

                  $9.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Myrbetriq (mirabegron)
                  Used for:
                  $380.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Desmopressin (DDAVP) images

                  White Round Hp 319 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Hp 319".White Round Hp 319 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  White Round 0.2 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "0.2".White Round 0.2 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  White Round S 72 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "S 72".White Round S 72 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  White Round Des 0.2 And Apo - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Des 0.2" And "Apo".White Round Des 0.2 And Apo - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  White Oval Wpi And 22 26 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "22 26" And "Wpi".White Oval Wpi And 22 26 - Desmopressin Acetate 0.2mg Tablet

                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Antares Pharma, Inc. (2023). Nocdurna- desmopressin acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Bae, J. H., et al. (2007). The effects of long-term administration of oral desmopressin on the baseline secretion of antidiuretic hormone and serum sodium concentration for the treatment of nocturia: A circadian study. The Journal of Urology.

                  Chavin, S. I. (1984). Factor VIII: Structure and function in blood clotting. American Journal of Hematology.

                  View All References (7)

                  Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2022). DDAVP- desmopressin acetate injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2021). DDAVP- desmopressin acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2022). Desmopressin acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Lose, G., et al. (2004). Clinical experiences with desmopressin for long-term treatment of nocturia. The Journal of Urology.

                  Rittig, S., et al. (1998). Effect of food intake on the pharmacokinetics and antidiuretic activity of oral desmopressin (DDAVP) in hydrated normal subjects. Clinical Endocrinology.

                  Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (2022). Desmopressin acetate- desmopressin acetate injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  You and Your Hormones. (2021). Anti-diuretic hormone.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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