Drug Detail:Vasopressin (Vasopressin [ vay-soe-pres-in ])
Generic Name: Vasopressin (IM or Subcutaneous) [ vay-soe-PRES-in ]
Drug Class: Antidiuretic hormones
Uses of Vasopressin:
- It is used to treat diabetes insipidus.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Vasopressin?
- If you have an allergy to vasopressin or any other part of vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous).
- If you are allergic to vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous); any part of vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have kidney disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Vasopressin?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Vasopressin) best taken?
Use vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin or a muscle.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of low sodium levels like headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, feeling confused, weakness, seizures, or change in balance.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Very bad belly pain.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- Change in skin color to black or purple.
- Skin sores.
- Feeling sleepy.
- Headache.
What are some other side effects of Vasopressin?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Pale skin.
- Stomach cramps.
- Gas.
- Certain side effects like pale skin, belly cramps, and upset stomach may be lowered by drinking 1 or 2 glasses of water at the time you get vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous).
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Vasopressin?
- If you need to store vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about vasopressin (IM or subcutaneous), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.