Desmopressin

Desmopressin is a lab made version (synthetic) of a natural hormone, called vasopressin, that prevents the body from releasing too much fluid (antidiuretic). It helps stop bleeding. It does this by helping the body to release von Willebrand factor (VWF) from cells, which also increases the level of factor VIII(8) in the body. Desmopressin is used for von Willebrand disease type 1 and type 2A, and mild hemophilia A.

Desmopressin can be used for joint and muscle bleeds, nose and mouth bleeds, and before and after surgery. Your healthcare provider may have you do a desmopressin trial to see if it raises your factor VIII(8) levels enough. Make sure to speak with your health care provider if you are pregnant about cautions for use during labor and delivery.

Desmopressin can be taken either as an injection under the skin or into a vein (brand name DDAVP®) or a spray into the nose (brand names DDAVP® and Stimate®). The manufacturer of Stimate® spray issued a recall of all US products and does not expect to begin resupplying until mid-2024. You can get more information on latest news updates and medical advisories.

This type of medication (antidiuretics) causes the body to retain water. Due to this, it is important to limit fluid intake so that you do not reduce levels of sodium in the bloodstream (a condition called hyponatremia).

Learn more about FDA-approved products for the treatment of bleeding disorders.