Health Library Desmopressin Acetate for Von Willebrand's DiseaseFrom Healthwise

Desmopressin increases the amount of clotting factor VIII, which helps blood to clot. It is available in a nasal spray form that is often prescribed. Desmopressin can also be injected.

Desmopressin is used for people with mild to moderate von Willebrand's disease. It is usually taken before dental and minor surgical procedures to help prevent severe bleeding. Desmopressin can also help control mild bleeding episodes. Some women may use desmopressin to lighten heavy menstrual periods. And some people use it before taking part in sports.

Desmopressin should not be used to treat:

• A person with type 2b or type 3 von Willebrand's disease.
• An infant younger than 3 months of age.
• A person with serious injuries.
• A person diagnosed with advanced hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Desmopressin usually will stop bleeding in people who have mild to moderate von Willebrand's disease (type 1). However, the drug's effectiveness varies with each individual.

Possible side effects include:

• Fluid retention.¹
• Mild increase in pulse or blood pressure.
• Redness of the face and neck (flushing).
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Rarely, a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis).¹

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

This medicine:

• May become ineffective if used too often.
• Should be used with caution in people who have a fluid or electrolyte imbalance.
• Is inexpensive compared to clotting factor replacement therapy.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Leung LLK (2005). Coagulation disorders. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., ACP Medicine, section 5, chap. 15. New York: WebMD.

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: November 29, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
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