Calcitriol injection
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What is calcitriol injection?
CALCITRIOL (Calcijex®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Patients with chronic renal failure are not able to control calcium or phosphorus correctly. Calcitriol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic calcitriol injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• kidney disease
• too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
• parathyroid disease
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Calcitriol is for injection into a vein and can be given at the end of hemodialysis. It is given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
What drug(s) may interact with calcitriol?
• digoxin
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
• vitamin D
• water pills
Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
• antacids
• calcium supplements
• magnesium supplements
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking calcitriol?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood test to monitor your therapy.
Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking calcitriol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.
What side effects may I notice from receiving calcitriol?
The recommended daily allowance of calcitriol does not usually cause any side effects. High doses for long periods of time may cause serious side effects
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Early side effect of too much calcitriol:
• bone pain
• constipation
• dry mouth
• headache
• metallic taste
• nausea, vomiting
• unusual tiredness, or weakness
Late side effects of too much calcitriol:
• increased thirst
• increase in the need to pass urine (especially at night)
• irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure
• loss of appetite
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach pain
• weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• pain at the injection site
Where can I keep my medicine?
Usually, you will receive calcitriol injection in a clinic or hospital setting; you will not have to take this medicine at home.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
