Drugs & Vitamins

Calcitriol Injection Active Ingredients: Calcitriol Injection Representative Names: Calcijex What is calcitriol 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 calcitriol? What side effects may I notice from receiving calcitriol? What should I watch for while taking calcitriol? Where can I keep my medicine? What is calcitriol injection? (Back to top) CALCITRIOL (Calcijex®) 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. Patients with chronic renal failure are not able to control calcium or phosphorus correctly. Calcitriol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic calcitriol injections are 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: •kidney disease •too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood •parathyroid disease •other chronic illness •an unusual or allergic reaction to 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) Calcitriol is for injection into a vein and can be given at the end of hemodialysis. It is 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 calcitriol? (Back to top) •digoxin •seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine •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 calcitriol? (Back to top) The recommended daily allowance of calcitriol does not usually cause any side effects. High doses for long periods of time may cause serious side effects Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Early side effect of too much calcitriol: •bone pain •constipation •dry mouth •headache •metallic taste •nausea, vomiting •unusual tiredness, or weakness Late side effects of too much calcitriol: •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 Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •pain at the injection site What should I watch for while taking calcitriol? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood test to monitor your therapy. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking calcitriol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. 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) Usually, you will receive calcitriol injection in a clinic or hospital setting; you will not have to take this medicine at home. Last Updated:12/15/2003 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.