What is this medicine?
CALCITRIOL (kal si TRYE ole) is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is used to treat patients with low levels of calcium who are on chronic renal dialysis.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
-too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
-an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, calcitriol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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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. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-vitamin D
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-calcium supplements
-cholestyramine
-corticosteroids
-digoxin
-ketoconazole
-magnesium supplements
-phenobarbital
-phenytoin
-phosphate-binding agents
-some antacids
-thiazide diuretics
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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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. Limit the amount of calcium you get each day as directed. The extra supplements can cause side effects.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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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 pain
-increased thirst
-increased urination (especially at night)
-irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure
-metallic taste
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-seizures
-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
-pain at site where injected
-stomach upset
Where should I keep my medicine?
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This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
