What is the most important information I should know about doxercalciferol?
Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry
mouth, constipation, a metallic taste in the mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, or decreased
appetite. These can be early signs of too much calcium in the body.
Do not take
antacids that contain
magnesium while taking doxercalciferol, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
What is doxercalciferol?
Doxercalciferol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for
the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Doxercalciferol is used to reduce elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the
treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis.
Doxercalciferol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Who should not take doxercalciferol?
Do not take doxercalciferol if you have high levels of vitamin D, calcium, or
phosphorus in your body.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be
able to take doxercalciferol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you have liver disease.
Doxercalciferol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to
harm an unborn baby. Do not take doxercalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
It is also not known whether doxercalciferol passes into breast milk. However, it is
believed that doxercalciferol could affect a nursing baby. Do not take doxercalciferol if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take doxercalciferol?
Take doxercalciferol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the
directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
Take each dose with
water.
Doxercalciferol is usually taken three times a week during dialysis. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Store doxercalciferol at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Notify your doctor if you miss a dose of doxercalciferol.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a doxercalciferol overdose are not known but may include irregular
heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation,
weakness, muscle pain, bone pain, tiredness, headache, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
What should I avoid while taking doxercalciferol?
Do not take antacids that contain magnesium while taking doxercalciferol, unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
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