Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Octostim (Desmopressin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Octostim (Desmopressin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Octostim (Desmopressin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• facial flushing
• headache
• nausea
• stomach cramps
• vulvar pain (pain in the vulva)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fast heartbeat
• redness, swelling, or pain at the site of injection (if the medication was injected under the skin) or along a vein where the medication was injected (if the medication was injected into a vein)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Octostim (Desmopressin).

Each mL contains Octostim (Desmopressin) acetate 15 µg with sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to 3.5, in water for injection.

Octostim (Desmopressin) injection should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to Octostim (Desmopressin) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has type IIB or platelet-type (pseudo) von Willebrand's disease
• has medical conditions that require treatment with diuretics (e.g., heart failure, high blood pressure)

There may be an interaction between Octostim (Desmopressin) injection and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Octostim (Desmopressin). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Octostim (Desmopressin).

Blood pressure and increased heart rate: Octostim (Desmopressin) injection can cause changes in blood pressure and a fast heart rate. If you have vascular Headaches (e.g., migraine), heart failure, heart disease, or high blood pressure, you may be more sensitive to these effects. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Effectiveness: Octostim (Desmopressin) injection is not effective in controlling excessive urination caused by Kidney Disease. Your doctor will monitor you and your response to Octostim (Desmopressin) injection while you are taking Octostim (Desmopressin).

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Fluid intake should be adjusted in order to reduce the possibility of water retention and low levels of sodium in the blood, especially in children and seniors. Talk to your doctor about how much fluid intake is appropriate. Your doctor will monitor you closely while taking Octostim (Desmopressin). People who are dehydrated should wait until their water balance has been adequately restored before taking Octostim (Desmopressin) injection. Octostim (Desmopressin) should be used with caution by people who have Cystic Fibrosis as they are prone to low levels of sodium in the blood.

Tolerance: There are reports of changes in response to Octostim (Desmopressin) over time. Some people may experience decreased responsiveness, while others may experience a shortened duration of effect. If you notice this, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Octostim (Desmopressin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Octostim (Desmopressin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Octostim (Desmopressin) injection passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Octostim (Desmopressin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Octostim (Desmopressin) have not been established for infants younger than 3 months of age for use in preventing or stopping bleeding associated with hemophilia A or von Willebrand's disease.