Treats low blood calcium in kidney dialysis patients and other patients.Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D
Brand Names:
Calcijex
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
An IV injection is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.
Storage:
If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
You should not use other forms of vitamin D while taking calcitriol.
You should not use antacids that contain magnesium (such as Mylanta® or Maalox®) without first checking with your doctor.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical problems, check with your doctor before taking calcitriol.
If you are on dialysis, you may need to follow a special diet and take phosphate-binding medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
If you are NOT on dialysis and taking calcitriol, be sure to drink plenty of liquids.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Nausea and vomiting, long-lasting headache, constipation, sleepiness and weakness (early signs of high blood calcium)
