Drugs & Vitamins

Calciferol Injection Active Ingredients: Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2 Injection Representative Names: Calciferol Injection What is ergocalciferol injection? 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 ergocalciferol? What side effects may I notice from receiving ergocalciferol? What should I watch for while taking ergocalciferol? Where can I keep my medicine? What is ergocalciferol injection? (Back to top) ERGOCALCIFEROL (Calciferol®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Ergocalciferol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic ergocalciferol injections are not yet available. NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States. 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: •kidney disease •too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood •parathyroid disease •other chronic illness •an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, tartrazine dye (FD&C yellow dye No. 5), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Ergocalciferol is for injection into muscle or for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with ergocalciferol? (Back to top) •cholestyramine •colestipol •digoxin •seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine •mineral oil •vitamin D •water pills Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines: •antacids •calcium supplements •magnesium supplements Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines 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 with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving ergocalciferol? (Back to top) The recommended daily allowance of ergocalciferol does not usually cause any side effects. Early side effects related to overdose include: •bone pain •constipation •dry mouth •headache •metallic taste •nausea, vomiting •unusual tiredness, or weakness Late side effects include: •increased thirst •increase in the need to pass urine (especially at night) •irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure •loss of appetite •seizures (convulsions) •stomach pain •weight loss What should I watch for while taking ergocalciferol? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking ergocalciferol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:05/09/2007 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.