DDAVP and Samsca

• Generic Name: desmopressin
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: DDAVP, Nocdurna, DDAVP nasal, DDAVP Rhinal Tube, Noctiva, Stimate

Desmopressin nasal spray is used to treat central cranial diabetes insipidus. This is a condition that causes the body to lose too much fluid and become dehydrated. It is also used to control frequent urination and increased thirst caused by certain types of brain injury or brain surgery. The Stimate® nasal spray is used to treat bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or von Willebrand disease (Type I).

Noctiva™ nasal spray is used to treat nocturnal polyuria in adults who awaken two or more times to urinate at night. Nocturnal polyuria is a condition where your body makes too much urine at night. Your doctor will need to measure your urine and the times that you urinate for 24 hours to determine if you have nocturnal polyuria.

Desmopressin is similar to a hormone that is produced in the body. It acts on the kidneys to reduce the flow of urine. For bleeding, desmopressin increases the blood levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor. This results in less bleeding for patients who have low levels of these agents.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: tolvaptan
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Samsca, Jynarque

Samsca (tolvaptan) reduces the level of a hormone that regulates the balance of water and salt (sodium) in the body. High levels of this hormone can cause an imbalance that results in low sodium levels and fluid retention.

Samsca is used to treat hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in your blood) in people with heart failure, and certain hormonal imbalances.

Samsca improves urine flow without causing the body to lose too much sodium as you urinate.

This medication guide provides information about the Samsca brand of tolvaptan. Jynarque is another brand of tolvaptan that is not covered in this medication guide.