What is Doxercalciferol?
Doxercalciferol, a synthetic form of vitamin D (made by man), is essential for calcium absorption from the stomach as well as for calcium's proper functioning in the body. Doxercalciferol helps maintain healthy parathyroid hormone levels in those with chronic renal disease on dialysis. Doxercalciferol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Doxercalciferol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or throat.
Doxercalciferol may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain and slow heartbeats
- High calcium levels can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, fatigue, loss of weight, and increased thirst.
- Signs of infection: fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, redness, nausea, diarrhea, and pain or burning while urinating;
- Low red blood cells, or anemia, can cause pale skin, a feeling of being light-headed, and cold hands and/or feet.
- Dehydration Symptoms-- Feeling very thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate. Heavy sweating or dry and hot skin.
Some of the common side effects associated with doxercalciferol include:
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain;
- Infections that make you feel unwell
- Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and coughing
- Itching;
- Headache, dizziness, weakness;
- Trouble sleeping may be an indicator of depression.
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- Feeling short of breath
- Swelling;
- Muscle stiffness.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects and report them via 1-800-FDA-1088 for advice or reporting concerns about adverse events.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have high vitamin D and calcium levels in your body, you should avoid using doxercalciferol.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Liver disease
- A vitamin d deficiency;
- Hypercalcemia is the term used to describe high calcium levels in your blood.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or breastfeeding, either directly or through secondary pregnancies.If you are breastfeeding while receiving, watch out for any signs of hypercalcemia (such as vomiting, constipation, or seizures). Doxercalciferol should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Doxercalciferol?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Your medication must be taken exactly as prescribed. Doxercalciferol can be taken either daily or three times a week. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Doxercalciferol is taken orally. Doxercalciferol is injected into a vein after dialysis. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. You will have to test your blood frequently. The results may cause you to delay your doses. Tests can be used to determine the effectiveness of doxercalciferol, even if there are no symptoms. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not take calcium or vitamin D supplements without consulting your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of doxercalciferol when taken together. Take your oral doxercalciferol one hour before or four to six hours after taking the other medicine.
- Cholestyramine;
- Mineral oil.
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Digoxin;
- An antacid;
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- A calcium or vitamin d supplement is recommended.
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Seizure medicine.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect doxercalciferol. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
