As you are now more independent and in charge of your health care, you get to take the lead on making sure your bleeding disorders treatment is working for you. You may have questions about the different types of treatment options. This section has answers to common questions about desmopressin. This section can help you develop your own set of questions to ask your health care provider to work together to find the best treatment option.  

What is this treatment for?
Desmopressin is a lab made version (synthetic) hormone that's like a natural hormone called vasopressin. It prevents the body from releasing too much fluid (antidiuretic). This medication can be used to treat bleeding in joints and muscles, nose and mouth bleeds, and before and after surgery.
How does this treatment work in the body? 
When there is an injury in the body, a blood clot is formed using a complex process called the clotting cascade. As part of the clotting cascade, different proteins called factors are activated in a series of events with one factor often activating another factor. Without von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and Factor VIII (8), it will be much more difficult for your body to form a strong blood clot. Desmopressin stops bleeding by helping the body to release von Willebrand factor (VWF) from cells, which also increases the level of factor VIII (8) in the body.   
How is this treatment given?   
Desmopressin comes in different forms. In one form, a person will get medication into their body using a needle that goes into a vein (infusion). For this medication, it can take about 30 minutes. It is usually done at a clinic or even at a hospital if done before a medical procedure. Another form of desmopressin is a nasal (into the nose) spray. The manufacturer of DDAVP nasal spray issued a recall of all US products and does not expect to begin resupplying until mid-2024.   
How much of this treatment is normally given?   
The dosage of desmopressin given is based on body weight, the reason for treatment (an active bleed, using before an operation, or using daily to prevent bleeding (prophylactically), and the form of treatment used (nasal spray or injection into a vein).
Who can use this treatment? 

Desmopressin can used for people with hemophilia A and people with type 1 and type 2A VWD. Some people don’t respond to the treatment. Your health care provider may have you do a trial to see if it works.    

If you're pregnant, it's important to discuss any cautions for using desmopressin during labor and delivery with your health care provider.1 They can provide you with more specific guidance based on your individual health needs and circumstances. 

What are the benefits?

  • Helps stop bleeding in individuals with some bleeding disorders.   

  • Can be used before surgery to help prevent extra bleeding.   

  • Nasal spray (when available) can be an easier option.   

What are the limitations?   

It's important to be aware of the limitations associated with this medication . See infusion basics.   

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

  • Administered using a needle, into a vein (infusion). This can pose risks such as infection, bleeding, or other complications, so it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.   

  • May be given using an injection to put the medicine into the body through a vein (infusion). This can be scary for many people. Learn more about needle fear and phobia in this video.   

  • The manufacturer of Stimate® nasal spray has issued a recall of all US products, and resupplying is not expected until mid-2024. You can get more information on latest news updates and medical advisories.    

What are the other names for this treatment? 

  • Stimate®   

  • DDAVP®   

It is best to speak with your child's health care provider to determine if this treatment option will work for your child. 

If you want more information about FDA-approved products for the treatment of bleeding disorders, please go to this list of approved treatments.     

References   
NHF’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council. (2022). MASAC Recommendations Concerning Products Licensed for the Treatment of Hemophilia and Other Bleeding Disorders (MASAC 272). National Hemophilia Foundation. https://www.hemophilia.org/healthcare-professionals/guidelines-on-care/masac-documents/masac-document-272-masac-recommendations-concerning-products-licensed-for-the-treatment-of-hemophilia-and-other-bleeding-disorders