Fda Warns Of Bed-wetting Drug Risk

[CDLover]

I saw this on a news site...

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Tuesday December 4, 5:29 pm ET

FDA Warns of Possibly Fatal Seizure Risk With Bed-Wetting Drug

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Government health regulators warned patients and physicians Tuesday that a drug used to control bed-wetting in children can increase the risk of seizures and death.

The Food and Drug Administration said it has received 61 reports of seizures, two of which were fatal, among patients taking desmopressin, a drug that lowers the amount of water eliminated in urine. The agency said the drug can sometimes lower the amount of sodium in patients' blood to dangerous levels, causing the seizures.

Desmopressin is sold by several companies, including privately held Ferring Pharmaceuticals, under names such as DDAVP, DDAVP nasal spray and DDAVP rhinal tube.

The FDA has requested manufacturers to change the labeling on the drug's nasal-drop formulations to no longer recommend use for bedwetting, as children may be especially susceptible to dangerously low sodium levels. The proposed revised label would also state that desmopressin should no longer be used by patients with a history of sodium deficiency.

The drug is still approved to treat excessive thirst, urination and dehydration caused by injury, surgery and certain medical conditions.

Labels on desmopression tablets, the FDA says, should also advise patients to stop using the drug if they experience vomiting, diarrhea or other conditions that lower fluid levels.

The agency said all forms of desmopressin should be used carefully by patients taking drugs that cause them to drink more, including antidepressants.

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Good thing I like to wear diapers....

CDL