Doxercalciferol injection

What is this medicine?

DOXERCALCIFEROL (docks er kal SIF e role) is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is used in patients with chronic renal failure. It helps your body keep the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is injected into a muscle, or infused through a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bone, muscle pain

• breathing problems

• chest pain, irregular heartbeat

• fever, infection

• hallucination, loss of contact with reality

• high blood pressure

• increased thirst

• increased need to urinate, especially at night

• numb, tingling pain

• seizure

• unexpected weight loss

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• metallic taste

• stomach upset

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• vitamin D

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital

• digoxin

• diuretics

• erythromycin

• glutethimide

• grapefruit juice

• ketoconazole

• certain medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine, colestipol

• some over-the-counter products like antacids and vitamins

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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:

• liver disease

• too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D in your blood

• an unusual or allergic reaction to doxercalciferol, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You will need to have important lab work done while you are taking this medicine.

You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids, unless your doctor instructs you to. Extra supplements can cause side effects.