Stimate Nasal Spray: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Stimate Nasal Spray contains desmopressin acetate, a man-made version of the natural hormone vasopressin. It is sprayed into the nose to help control certain types of bleeding, including hemophilia A and mild to moderate Type I von Willebrand disease. It works by increasing clotting factor VIII levels in the blood. It is available only as a nasal spray and should be used exactly as prescribed.

What is Stimate Nasal Spray

Stimate Nasal Spray is a man-made version of a natural hormone called vasopressin. It is given as a spray into the nose to help control certain types of bleeding.

Stimate Nasal Spray uses

• Hemophilia A in eligible patients.
• Mild to moderate Type I von Willebrand disease.
• Bleeding associated with certain injuries.
• Prevention of bleeding during selected procedures.
• Control of bleeding after surgery.

Benefits of Stimate Nasal Spray

• Helps control bleeding.
• Supports blood clot formation.
• Helps reduce bleeding after injuries.
• Helps manage bleeding during surgery.
• May reduce bleeding from mucous membranes.

How Stimate Nasal Spray works

Desmopressin acetate increases the levels of clotting factor VIII in the blood in people with hemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease Type I.

Stimate Nasal Spray dosage

Use this medicine only in the nose; do not spray it in the eyes. Use exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it, and do not use it more often than prescribed. An adult should watch a child use the spray to make sure the correct dose is given.

If using before surgery, use it 2 hours before the scheduled procedure. Prime the spray pump before using it for the first time, and re-prime if it has not been used for more than 3 days.

Limit your fluid intake starting 1 hour before using the spray and continuing until at least 24 hours after using it. Keep track of how many sprays you have used, and throw away the bottle after the labeled number of sprays even if some liquid remains. Do not transfer any leftover medicine into another bottle.

Available forms and strengths

Nasal spray.

Side effects of Stimate Nasal Spray

Common

• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Nosebleed
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Upper respiratory infections
• Headache
• Eye redness
• Fast heart rate
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

Serious

• Signs of low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia): headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, restlessness, tiredness, loss of appetite, irritability, muscle weakness, muscle spasms or cramps, hallucinations, confusion, decreased consciousness
• Severe hyponatremia symptoms: seizures, coma, or stopped breathing
• Changes in blood pressure (too high or too low), sometimes with a faster heart rate
• Nasal scarring or swelling that affects how well the medicine works
• Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis: rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness from low blood pressure

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine is for use in the nose only.
• This medicine can cause low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), which can be life-threatening if not treated. You must limit how much fluid you drink while using it.
• Children and elderly patients have a higher risk of water intoxication and low sodium levels and must carefully follow fluid intake limits.
• This medicine should not be used in people with Type IIB von Willebrand's disease because it may cause platelets to clump together, raising the risk of blood clots.
• Changes inside the nose, such as scarring or swelling, can affect how well the medicine is absorbed and how well it works.
• Serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, have occurred with this medicine.
• It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk in amounts that matter. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether to use this medicine while breastfeeding.
• People with kidney problems may be more prone to low sodium levels and should use this medicine with caution; elderly patients with kidney impairment need careful monitoring.
• Monitor blood sodium levels as advised for liver-related concerns.
• Inform the doctor about kidney or heart problems.
• Check product availability and current safety guidance, as Stimate has had market recalls and availability restrictions.

Storage

• Store the bottle at room temperature, not higher than 77°F (25°C).
• Store the bottle standing upright.
• Throw away the bottle 6 months after it is first opened, after the labeled number of sprays, or by the expiration date, whichever comes first.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, restlessness, tiredness, loss of appetite, irritability, muscle weakness, muscle spasms or cramps, hallucinations, or confusion, as these may be signs of low blood sodium.
• Get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as itching over large areas of skin, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hands, trouble swallowing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if your bleeding is not controlled while using this medicine.
• If you use too much of this medicine, call your healthcare provider or seek help from a poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Vonvendi
• Humate-P
• DDAVP Injection