paricalcitol
Pronunciation: PAR i KAL si tol Brand: Zemplar What is the most important information I should know about paricalcitol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood. Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, liver disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
Paricalcitol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
What is paricalcitol?
Paricalcitol is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Paricalcitol is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland) in people with chronic kidney failure.
Paricalcitol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paricalcitol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:
- high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
- high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D).
Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure;
- liver disease; or
- an electrolyte imbalance.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
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. Your paricalcitol dose needs may change if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take paricalcitol?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Paricalcitol is sometimes taken daily, and sometimes taken every other day. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
You may take this medication with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Paricalcitol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking paricalcitol?
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends.
What are the possible side effects of paricalcitol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking paricalcitol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- chest pain, feeling short of breath;
- feeling like you might pass out;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, muscle weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions); or
- early signs of vitamin D overdose (weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting).
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness, spinning sensation;
- back pain;
- stomach pain, indigestion;
- diarrhea;
- mild muscle or joint pain;
- sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose; or
- mild itching or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect paricalcitol?
There may be other drugs that can interact with paricalcitol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about paricalcitol.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
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