Uses
Calcifediol is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (a condition in which the body produces too much parathyroid hormone [PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood], ) in certain adults with chronic kidney disease (a condition in which the kidneys stop working slowly and gradually). Calcifediol is in a class of medications called vitamin D analogs. It works by helping the body to use more of the calcium found in foods or supplements and by regulating the body’s production of parathyroid hormone.
Side Effects Of Calcifediol
Calcifediol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- joint pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination, or weight loss
- shortness of breath
- pale skin
- fracture
Calcifediol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking calcifediol:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to calcifediol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in calcifediol extended-release capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); cholestyramine; digoxin (Lanoxin); itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox); ketoconazole; medications for HIV or AIDS including atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Viekira Pak), and saquinavir (Invirase); nefazodone; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); telithromycin (Ketek); thiazide diuretics (”water pills”). or voriconazole (Vfend). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with calcifediol, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you are being treated with dialysis (medical treatment to clean the blood when the kidneys are not working properly) or if you have or have ever had high blood levels of calcium.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking calcifediol, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking calcifediol.
Dosage Of Calcifediol
Calcifediol comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at bedtime. Take calcifediol at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take calcifediol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not chew or crush them.
Your doctor may increase or adjust your dose depending on your body’s response to calcifediol.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response before you start taking calcifediol, at 3 months after the start of treatment or if your dose was changed, and then at least every 6 to 12 months.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
