Argipressin 20 International Units/ml Solution for Injection

Argipressin

Argipressin Injection contains argipressin which is similar to a naturally occurring hormone in your body. It is an 'antidiuretic' which helps to prevent excess loss of water in your urine and also narrows some blood vessels in the body.

Argipressin is used to treat:

• diabetes insipidus. This is a rare form of diabetes causing production of large quantities of urine. Argipressin increases the amount of water absorbed back into your kidneys
• bleeding from enlarged veins in the oesophagus (food pipe).

You should not be given Argipressin Injection:

• if you are allergic to argipressin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• if you suffer from a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) to argipressin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• if you suffer from any diseases or conditions associated with your blood vessels, especially the blood vessels of your heart.
• if you are intended to receive halogenated anaesthetic agents during surgical procedures
• if you suffer from a certain type of kidney disease called chronic nephritis with nitrogen retention (your doctor will advise you)

Speak to your doctor if one of these applies to you before you are given this medicine.

It is most likely that you will be in hospital when you are given Argipressin.

The recommended dose is

For the treatment of diabetes insipidus: Injected under the skin or into a muscle every four hours. Your doctor will decide on the most suitable dose and way to give it to you depending on your symptoms.

For the treatment of bleeding in the oesophagus: The dose is diluted in a sugar solution and slowly dripped through a needle into a vein. Your doctor will decide on the most suitable dose and way to give it to you depending on your symptoms.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or nurse.

Like all medicines, this medicine can sometimes cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are rare. Any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body) should be reported to a doctor immediately as this can also result in a heart attack if not treated straight away.

Argipressin can cause 'water intoxication'. Signs of this are drowsiness, being uninterested in anything (listless) and headaches. If you notice any of these signs, tell the nurse or your doctor straightaway. If it is not corrected, water intoxication can lead to fits or even coma.

Other side effects include:

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

• Gangrene – with symptoms of redness, swelling, loss of sensation/severe pain which can cause dead, black areas of skin- in areas such as fingers or toes
• Decreased oxygen in a tissue – with symptoms of pain, pale skin, tingling skin (usually because of decreased blood flow)
• Nettle rash or hives – Itchy red bumps on the skin (urticaria)
• Repeated desire to pass stools (diarrhoea)
• Abnormal collection of fluid in the body or ‘bloating’
• High blood pressure
• Paleness of the lips
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Passing wind
• Pounding in the head or a headache
• Stomach ache
• Excessive sweating
• Shakiness

In patients with disease of the heart or circulation, Argipressin may give rise to angina (chest pain).

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

The storage of Argipressin Injection will not be your responsibility.

Store in a refrigerator (2°C and 8°C). Keep the ampoules in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not freeze.

For single use only.

If only part used, discard the remaining solution.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.