Nasal bed-wetting drug may cause side-effects

From CTV News:
Health Canada is warning consumers that the nasal form of the drug desmopressin should not be used to treat bed-wetting because of the risk of potentially fatal side-effects.

Desmopressin can cause water retention that could lead to a low blood sodium level, also known as hyponatremia. Although rare, hyponatremia can lead to seizures and even death, Health Canada said Friday in an advisory.

The warning, issued in conjunction with manufacturer Ferring Pharmaceuticals, said bed-wetting must not be treated with any nasal form of desmopressin, including DDAVP Spray or DDAVP Rhinyle Solution. The condition must be treated only with desmopressin taken by mouth (DDAVP Melt).

"If you or your child is currently taking a nasal form of desmopressin ... for bed-wetting, you should talk to your doctor to see if you need to continue on desmopressin treatment," Health Canada said. "If continued treatment is necessary, you should be changed over to an oral form." ...more