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What is the most important information I should know about vasopressin?

You should not receive this medication if you have a chronic kidney condition such as Bright's disease.

Before receiving vasopressin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have asthma, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, hardened arteries, migraine headaches, or seizures.

Some people receiving vasopressin have had an immediate reaction to the medication. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel weak, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or weak breathing just after receiving vasopressin.

Vasopressin can cause temporary side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, or "blanching" of your skin (such as pale spots when you press on the skin). Drinking 1 or 2 glasses of water each time you receive an injection may help ease these side effects.

Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink during your treatment with vasopressin. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

What is vasopressin?

Vasopressin is a man-made form of a hormone called "anti-diuretic hormone" that is normally secreted by the pituitary gland. In the body, vasopressin acts on the kidneys and blood vessels.

Vasopressin helps prevent the loss of water from the body by reducing urine output and helping the kidneys reabsorb water in the body. Vasopressin also raises blood pressure by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels.

Vasopressin is used to treat diabetes insipidus, which is caused by a lack of this naturally occurring pituitary hormone in the body. Vasopressin is also used to treat or prevent certain conditions of the stomach after surgery or during abdominal x-rays.

Vasopressin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving vasopressin?

You should not receive this medication if you have a chronic kidney condition such as Bright's disease.

Before receiving vasopressin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma;

• kidney disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• coronary artery disease, hardening of the arteries;

• circulation problems;

• migraine headaches; or

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive vasopressin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Vasopressin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.