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| Pronunciation |
|
 (kal
si TRYE
ole) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Calcijex™;
Rocaltrol® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Vitamin D Analog |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to calcitriol or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: High calcium levels in
the blood, too much vitamin D in the body, poor absorption of nutrition through
food.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used for the treatment of low calcium levels. This
occurs in patients who are on long-term kidney dialysis, those who have poor
kidney function not yet on dialysis, and patients whose parathyroid hormones do
not work well.
- Another use involves treatment of
psoriasis.
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| How does it work? |
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- Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D. Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the
body. It helps to control calcium in the body. Vitamin D changes calcium and
phosphorus absorption from the diet and their role in strengthening
bones.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given.
- Take at a similar time every day.
- Do not take cholestyramine, mineral oil, magnesium-containing
antacids, or orlistat with this medicine.
- Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider including extra
calcium. Take calcium with meals for better
absorption.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- Do not use other vitamin D containing vitamins with this medicine.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have had any problems with high
calcium in the past.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Side effects may occur if your blood level of calcium is too high.
Signs include weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, nausea and vomiting,
constipation, and bone pain.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Severe nausea and
vomiting.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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