Drugs & Vitamins

Zemplar Capsules Active Ingredients: Paricalcitol Capsules Representative Names: Zemplar Capsules Available Product Images: What are paricalcitol 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 paricalcitol? What side effects may I notice from taking paricalcitol? What should I watch for while taking paricalcitol? Where can I keep my medicine? What are paricalcitol capsules? (Back to top) PARICALCITOL (Zemplar®) 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. In patients with chronic renal failure, the body is not able to control calcium or phosphorus correctly. Paricalcitol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic paricalcitol capsules are not yet 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: •heart or circulation problems or disease •too much calcium or vitamin D •other chronic illnesses •an unusual or allergic reaction to paricalcitol, 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) Take paricalcitol capsules by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take paricalcitol with or without food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with paricalcitol? (Back to top) •aprepitant •barbiturates such as phenobarbital •bosentan •cholestyramine •colestipol •danazol •grapefruit juice •imatinib, STI-571 •isoniazid, INH •medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) •some medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for HIV infection or AIDS •medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) •mifepristone, RU-486 •mineral oil •orlistat •phosphorous supplements •rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin •some antibiotics (chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin) •some medicines for heart problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil) •some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone) •St. John's Wort •vitamin D •water pills (diuretics) •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 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 paricalcitol? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or other health care professional as soon as possible: •any signs of an allergic reaction, like itching, hives, or a rash •confusion •constipation •fever •headache •increased need to urinate •increased thirst •increased weakness •metallic taste •muscle pain •nausea/vomiting •seizures Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or other health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •increase water gain •chills •diarrhea •mild dizziness What should I watch for while taking paricalcitol? (Back to top) It is very important to follow any diet instructions your health care professional gives you. This will make sure paricalcitol 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 paricalcitol. Paricalcitol 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 drawn while you are receiving paricalcitol. You may need weekly blood checks until the correct dose of paricalcitol is found; then only monthly blood checks will be needed. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:06/06/2005 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.