What is Rayaldee?
Rayaldee contains vitamin D3. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption from the stomach and the proper functioning of calcium within the body.Rayaldee treats secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with stage 3 or 4, chronic renal failure, and low vitamin D levels. This medication is not intended for those who receive dialysis.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Rayaldee.
Side effects of Rayaldee
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Rayaldee can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with mild exercise;
- High calcium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms include loss of appetite or increased thirst, constipation, or increased urination.
- Low red blood cells (anemia)--pale or unusually tired skin, feeling lightheaded or short-of-breath, cold hands and/or feet
Rayaldee can cause the following side effects:
- Constipation is a common symptom.
- Sneezing or runny nose
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
calcifediol, Parsabiv
Warnings
You should always read the directions on your medicine package or label. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Heart problems
- Hypercalcemia is a condition where you have high calcium levels in your blood.
If you are planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Rayaldee is not known to harm unborn babies. Chronic renal disease can cause pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or premature birth. It may also lead to low birth weights, stillbirths, or eclampsia, a dangerously high blood pressure that can be harmful for both mother and child. Treatment of kidney disease can be beneficial to both mother and baby.Tell your doctor if you observe vomiting, constipation, weight loss in the baby, or a seizure.
How to take Rayaldee?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.Rayaldee can be taken to bed every night.The capsule should not be opened, crushed, chewed or broken.Medical tests will be required frequently.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite. They may also cause fatigue or irritability, weakness in the muscles, a feeling of being very hot or thirsty, or less urination than usual.
What should be avoided?
Before using vitamin or mineral supplements, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take care when taking calcium and vitamin D together.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Cholestyramine;
- Digoxin, digitalis;
- Phenobarbital and other seizure medications
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- Antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis c and hiv/aids.
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Heart medication
- Calcium- or vitamin d-containing medications or supplements.
This list does not include all drugs that may cause Rayaldee to react. Included are over-the-counter, prescription, herbal, and vitamin products. The list is not exhaustive.
