OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers that the nasal form of the
drug desmopressin should not be used to treat bed-wetting because of the risk of
potentially fatal side-effects.
Desmopressin can cause water retention that could lead to a low blood sodium
level, also known as hyponatremia. Although rare, hyponatremia can lead to
seizures and even death, Health Canada said Friday in an advisory.
The warning, issued in conjunction with manufacturer Ferring Pharmaceuticals,
said bed-wetting must not be treated with any nasal form of desmopressin,
including DDAVP Spray or DDAVP Rhinyle Solution. The condition must be treated
only with desmopressin taken by mouth (DDAVP Melt).
"If you or your child is currently taking a nasal form of desmopressin ... for
bed-wetting, you should talk to your doctor to see if you need to continue on
desmopressin treatment," Health Canada said. "If continued treatment is
necessary, you should be changed over to an oral form."
"If you are a new patient needing desmopressin treatment for bed-wetting, you
should only be given an oral form."
Any consumer taking the drug who anticipates a situation that may call for
increased water consumption - such as hot weather, exercise or illness causing
fever - should ask their doctor how to reduce the risk of side-effects by
monitoring fluid intake.
"Certain medications when taken with desmopressin have been associated with
serious side-effects," the advisory adds. "Make sure you tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you or your child takes other medications, for example
anti-depressants or anti-inflammatory drugs."
Ferring has worked with Health Canada to update prescribing information for
DDAVP Spray and DDAVP Rhinyle solution and has sent a letter to health-care
professionals and pharmacists to inform them of the new safety information.
Source : The Canadian Press
