U.S. warns about bed-wetting drug after two deaths
Tue Dec 4, 2007 4:09pm EST
WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - U.S. health officials alerted the public on
Tuesday about the deaths of two patients who were treated with a
prescription drug to control bed-wetting.
The Food and Drug Administration said it was unclear whether the drug,
desmopressin, had contributed to the deaths. But the agency said nasal
versions were no longer approved for treating bed-wetting and doctors should
consider other options.
Desmopressin is sold under the names DDAVP Nasal Spray, DDAVP Rhinal Tube,
DDVP, Minirin and Stimate Nasal Spray. Makers include Sanofi-Aventis
(SASY.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) and several generic companies.
Other forms of the drug "should be used cautiously" in patients at risk of
sodium imbalances that can be caused by over-hydration, the FDA said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/health-SP/idUSN0443643620071205
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