Paricalcitol injection

What is this medicine?

PARICALCITOL (par i KAL si trole) is a man made form of vitamin D. It is used in patients with chronic renal failure. It helps your body maintain the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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

• hallucinations

• increased need to urinate

• increased thirst

• metallic taste

• numb, tingling pain

• unexpected weight loss

• unusual blood pressure

• 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, diarrhea

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• 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:

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin

• certain medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine, colestipol

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital

• conivaptan

• digoxin

• diuretics

• grapefruit juice

• mineral oil

• nefazodone

• orlistat

• some antacids and vitamins

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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:

• high levels of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D in the blood

• an unusual or allergic reaction to paricalcitol, 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 or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. 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 directed by your doctor. Taking extra supplements can cause side effects, take only as directed.