Hectorol

 
Generic Name: doxercalciferol

Brands: Hectorol

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What is the most important information I should know about Hectorol?

· Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, a metallic taste in the mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, or decreased appetite. These can be early signs of too much calcium in the body.

· Do not take antacids that contain magnesium while taking Hectorol, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What is Hectorol?

· Hectorol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

· Hectorol is used to reduce elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis.

· Hectorol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Hectorol?

· Do not take Hectorol if you have high levels of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus in your body.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Hectorol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease.

· Hectorol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Hectorol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is also not known whether Hectorol passes into breast milk. However, it is believed that Hectorol could affect a nursing baby. Do not take Hectorol if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Hectorol?

· Take Hectorol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with water.

· Hectorol is usually taken three times a week during dialysis. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Store Hectorol at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Notify your doctor if you miss a dose of Hectorol.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Hectorol overdose are not known but may include irregular heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, muscle pain, bone pain, tiredness, headache, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

 

What should I avoid while taking Hectorol?

· Do not take antacids that contain magnesium while taking Hectorol, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Hectorol?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Hectorol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·an irregular heartbeat;     ·increased nighttime urination; or     ·abdominal pain.

· Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:     ·nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·dry mouth;     ·constipation;     ·weakness;     ·headache;     ·dizziness;     ·a metallic taste;     ·muscle or bone pain;     ·increased thirst or urination;     ·shortness of breath; or     ·itching.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Hectorol?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·antacids that contain magnesium;     ·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);     ·a vitamin D supplement;     ·mineral oil; or     ·cholestyramine (Questran).

· You may not be able to take Hectorol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Hectorol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Hectorol written for health professionals that you may read.

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