Shortage of desmopressin rhinal tubes

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of desmopressin rhinal tubes. Rhinal tubes are used to blow desmopressin far up into the nasal cavity. Desmopressin is a synthetic version of the pituitary hormone vasopressin. Very rarely individuals cannot produce this hormone for genetic reasons and thus produce large volumes of urine. This condition is known as central diabetes insipidus (aka cranial or neurogenic DI). The rhinal tubes are typically for children or anyone who cannot take the oral medication. An adult may blow the medication up the nose of a child. Here is a picture of the tube in action after it has been filled with a prescribed amount of the drug from a small bottle.