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What is paricalcitol injection?
PARICALCITOL (Zemplar™) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body control the levels of calcium and phosphate in your blood and bones. In patients with chronic renal failure, the body is not able to control calcium or phosphorus correctly. Paricalcitol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic paricalcitol injections are not 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:
• heart or circulation problems, or disease
• too much calcium or vitamin D
• other chronic illnesses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to paricalcitol, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Paricalcitol is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Paricalcitol may be given at the time of your dialysis; no more than every other day.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Your prescriber or health care professional will monitor your therapy and determine when you should receive a dose.What drug(s) may interact with paricalcitol?
• aprepitant
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• bosentan
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• danazol
• grapefruit juice
• imatinib, STI-571
• isoniazid, INH
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• some medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
• mifepristone, RU-486
• mineral oil
• orlistat
• phosphorous supplements
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for heart problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil)
• some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
• St. John's Wort
• vitamin D
• water pills (diuretics)
• zafirlukast
• zileuton
Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
• antacids
• calcium supplements
• magnesium supplements
Tell your prescriber or other 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 before stopping or starting any of your medications.
What should I watch for while taking paricalcitol?
It is very important to follow any diet instructions your health care professional gives you. This will make sure paricalcitol works well for you. You may need to take calcium supplements and limit the amount of phosphorus-containing foods you eat.
Do not take other vitamin D products while taking paricalcitol. Paricalcitol is similar to other forms of vitamin D and severe side effects may occur if too much vitamin D is taken.
Talk with your prescriber or health care professional before taking any type of antacid product.
You will need to have your blood levels drawn while you are receiving paricalcitol. You may need weekly blood checks until the correct dose of paricalcitol is found; then only monthly blood checks will be needed.
What side effects may I notice from taking paricalcitol?
• any signs of an allergic reaction, like itching, hives, or a rash
• confusion
• constipation
• fever
• headache
• increased need to urinate
• increased thirst
• increased weakness
• metallic taste
• muscle pain
• nausea/vomiting
• seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or other health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• increased water gain
• chills
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply; the medicine is given through your vein at a clinic or hospital. 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.
