January 2007

DESMOMELT 240 mcg NOW AVAILABLE

A new 240 mcg strength of DesmoMelt (oral lyophilisate desmopressin (as acetate)), the orodispersible formulation of desmopressin, is now available in addition to the 120 mcg melt launched in February 2006. Both the 120 mcg and the 240 mcg melt are licensed for the treatment of Primary Nocturnal Enuresis (PNE) (bedwetting) in children from the age of five years.

The launch of the 240 mcg melt gives healthcare professionals an additional child friendly option in the range of desmopressin treatment choices for PNE, providing a single melt option for those children who require the higher dose to control their PNE.

PNE is a common childhood condition and can be highly distressing for children and their parents (1). Dr Harbans Singh Popli, Community Paediatrician from the Swindon Primary Care Trust commented “Treatment for PNE is important for children because if left untreated, bedwetting can have a huge impact on a child’s psychological well-being.” Penny Dobson, Director of ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) added “Nocturnal enuresis is distressing for children and their parents and carers. This is why effective treatments such as DesmoMelt are so important. The single Melt option for the higher dose will be easy and convenient for children to use”.

Desmopressin continues to be the most commonly used medication for the treatment of PNE, with over 8 million patients treated worldwide to date (2). DesmoMelt in both dose options provides prescribers with a child friendly formulation of desmopressin, which studies have shown it to be clinically equivalent to Desmotabs (3).

In line with the NSF for Children, Young People and Maternity Services; Medicine for Children and Young People, the melt formulation of Desmopressin has been developed specifically to create a formulation which is convenient and easy for children to take (4).

DesmoMelt dissolves almost instantly under the tongue. There is no need for additional water intake at bedtime and it has no unpleasant taste. The rapidly dissolving dose also makes it difficult to spit out, so doctors and parents can be confident that the medicine has been taken.

DesmoMelt is available in blister packs of 30 x 120 mcg and 30 x 240mcg Melts. The dosage is 1 x 120 micrograms under the tongue bedtime increasing to 2 x 120mcg or 1 x 240 micrograms only if necessary. The need for continued treatment should be assessed at 3 monthly intervals, with at least one week off treatment to see if symptoms return.

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References

1. Hagglof B et al. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1997; 183:79-82.
2. Data on file, Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
3. Pharmacokinetic study, Data on file, Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
4. NSF for Children, Young People and Maternity Services: Medicines for Children and Young People. Department of Health. October 2004.
5. DesmoMelt SPC