What is Rocaltrol?
Rocaltrol contains vitamin D3. Vitamin D is necessary for your body to absorb calcium efficiently. Rocaltrol can be used to treat hyperparathyroidism, or metabolic bone disease, in people with chronic renal failure who are not on dialysis. Rocaltrol can also be used to treat calcium deficiencies in people who have hypoparathyroidism or underactive parathyroids due to surgery. Rocaltrol can also be used to treat metabolic bone disease and calcium deficiency in dialysis patients. Rocaltrol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Rocaltrol
In case of symptoms suggesting an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat seek medical assistance immediately.
Rocaltrol can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Dehydration symptoms—feeling thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate. Heavy sweating or hot and dried skin.
- High calcium levels can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, or bone pain. They may also lead to confusion, fatigue, a lack of energy, or a fatigued feeling.
- Low calcium level: muscle spasms, contractions, numbness, or tingling feeling (around the mouth or fingers and toes).
Rocaltrol may affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking Rocaltrol, tell your doctor. There may be other side effects.Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for further help from the FDA please dial: 1-800-FDA-1088
Similar/related drugs
Ergocalciferol, Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol, Caltrate, Drisdol, Calcium Lactate, and Calcifediol
Warnings
If you are allergic to Rocaltrol or other forms of Vitamin D, have a high level of calcium in your blood, or have a history of having reacted to Rocaltrol before, you should avoid using this medicine.
Before you take this drug
Rocaltrol should not be used if you:
- You have high calcium or vitamin D levels in your blood.
- You have an allergy to rocaltrol or any other form of vitamin D.
Inform your doctor of all medical conditions and allergies. Rocaltrol is not known to harm unborn babies.Inform your doctor as soon as you suspect or plan on becoming pregnant. Rocaltrol should not be used while breastfeeding. Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take Rocaltrol?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take your medication exactly as instructed. Rocaltrol oral is taken orally. Measuring oral liquid is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). An infusion of rocaltrol is administered into a vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use it properly. Follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. Only prepare and administer injections when ready.If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Medical tests will be required frequently. If your doctor has advised you to limit your fluid intake, then drink plenty of water. Rocaltrol may require you to adhere to a special diet. Please follow the instructions from your doctor or dietitian. Learn which foods you should eat and avoid in order to control your condition. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, call your doctor. Rocaltrol can cause you to become dehydrated. This can cause very low blood pressure, a serious electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, or severe low blood pressure . Your dose or test requirements may change if you are going to be undergoing major surgery or a long-term bedrest. You should follow your doctor's advice. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include headaches, weakness, drowsiness, and dryness of the mouth. Other signs may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. Overdose symptoms include excessive thirst, itching, and increased urination, especially at night. Other signs may include severe stomach pain that spreads to your back.
What should be avoided?
You should only take vitamin and mineral supplements as prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor if an antacid or laxative is right for you. This is especially true if you're on dialysis. The use of laxatives or antiacids may cause your magnesium levels to rise, which can affect your heart and blood pressure.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Cholestyramine;
- digoxin, digitalis;
- ketoconazole;
- A diuretic or "water pill"—hydrochlorothiazide, hctz, diovan hct, hyzaar, maxzide, tenoretic, zestoretic, and others;
- Seizure medicine: phenobarbital, phenytoin,
- Steroid medicine—prednisone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, and others.
This list is incomplete. Rocaltrol may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
