Lowers high levels of parathyroid hormone in the body in kidney dialysis patients. Doxercalciferol is a form of vitamin D
Brand Names:
Hectorol
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have had high blood calcium levels more than once
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is usually given at the end of your dialysis treatment and is injected into a vein.
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
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking phenobarbital (Donnatal®), glutethimide (Doriden®), or digitalis drugs such as digoxin (Lanoxin®) or digitoxin (Crystodigin®).
Do not take calcium supplements or any other type of vitamin D without your doctor's approval.
Avoid antacids that contain magnesium (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®) while you are using this medicine.
Follow the diet plan your doctor gives to you.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, or a history of high levels of phosphate or calcium in your blood.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Bone or muscle pain
Difficult breathing
Dry mouth, metallic taste in mouth
Headache, weakness, sleepiness
Increased thirst, urinating more often (especially at night)
