Drugs & Vitamins

Hectorol Active Ingredients: Doxercalciferol Representative Names: Hectorol Available Product Images: What are doxercalciferol capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with doxercalciferol? What side effects may I notice from taking doxercalciferol? What should I watch for while taking doxercalciferol? Where can I keep my medicine? What are doxercalciferol capsules? (Back to top) DOXERCALCIFEROL (Hectorol®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body control the levels of calcium and phosphate in your blood and bones. Patients with chronic renal failure are not able to control calcium or phosphorus correctly. Doxercalciferol helps your body maintain healthy bones. Generic doxercalciferol capsules are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •liver disease •too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D in your blood •an unusual or allergic reaction to doxercalciferol, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Doxercalciferol capsules are taken by mouth with water. Doxercalciferol is given before your dialysis. Your dose of doxercalciferol will depend on the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood. Doxercalciferol is given no more than every other day. If you are given doxercalciferol to take at home before your dialysis, follow the directions of the prescription label. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Tell your prescriber if you did not take your dose. Your prescriber or health care professional will monitor your therapy and determine when you should receive a dose. What drug(s) may interact with doxercalciferol? (Back to top) •aprepitant •bosentan •cholestyramine •cimetidine •cinacalcet •colestipol •clopidogrel •cyclosporine •digoxin •disulfiram •gefitinib •grapefruit juice •imatinib, STI-571 •isoniazid, INH •medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) •medicines for HIV infection or AIDS •medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide) •mineral oil •modafinil •omeprazole •orlistat •propoxyphene •rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin •some antibiotics (chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, sulfamethoxazole) •some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, propafenone, quinidine, verapamil) •some medicines for depression or mental problems (bupropion, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, haloperidol, paroxetine) •tacrine •vitamin D •water pills •zafirlukast •zileuton Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines: •antacids •calcium supplements •magnesium supplements Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications. What side effects may I notice from taking doxercalciferol? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or other health care professional as soon as possible: •bone pain •confusion •constipation •decreased appetite •increased thirst •increased need to urinate •increased weakness •metallic taste •muscle pain •nausea/vomiting •shortness of breath Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or other health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dizziness •headache •heartburn •itching •weight gain What should I watch for while taking doxercalciferol? (Back to top) It is very important to follow any diet instructions your health care professional gives you. This will make sure doxercalciferol works well for you. You may need to take calcium supplements and limit the amount of phosphorus-containing foods you eat. Do not take other vitamin D products while taking doxercalciferol. Doxercalciferol is similar to other forms of vitamin D and severe side effects may occur if too much vitamin D is taken. Talk with your prescriber or health care professional before taking any type of antacid product. You will need to have your blood levels checked while you are receiving doxercalciferol. You may need weekly blood checks until the correct dose of doxercalciferol is found; then only monthly blood checks will be needed. If you are taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or mineral oil, do not take these at the same time as your doxercalciferol capsules. Separate the timing of the doses as much as possible. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store the capsules at room temperature. Last Updated:08/25/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.