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 doxercalciferol or vitamin D, or if you have recently had high blood calcium levels
Uses:
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often. You will usually use this medicine at the time you have dialysis.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine must be used on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or dialysis unit for instructions.
Storage:
Store the capsules at room temperature in the original container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
Keep all medicine away from children.
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 using cholestyramine (Questran®), mineral oil, phenobarbital (Donnatal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), glutethimide (Doriden®), or digitalis drugs such as digoxin (Lanoxin®) or digitoxin (Crystodigin®).
Do not use calcium supplements or any other type of vitamin D without first asking your doctor.
Avoid antacids that contain magnesium (such as Maalox® and Mylanta®) while using this medicine.
Follow the diet plan your doctor gives to you.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or if you have 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:
