Doxercalciferol (By Mouth)

Doxercalciferol (dox-er-kal-SIF-er-ol)

Lowers high levels of parathyroid hormone in the body in kidney dialysis patients. Doxercalciferol is a form of vitamin D.

Brand Name(s):

Hectorol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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.

How to Use This Medicine:

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.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the capsules at room temperature in the original container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• 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 While Using This Medicine:

• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Bone or muscle pain
• Dry mouth, metallic taste in mouth
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Unusual weakness, tiredness
• Unexplained headache

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Difficult breathing
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.