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| Pronunciation |
|
 (dox
er kal si fe FEER
ole) |
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| Brand Names |
|
| Hectorol® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Vitamin D Analog |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to doxercalciferol or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: A high level of calcium,
vitamin D, or phosphate in the
body.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to prevent bone disease in patients on long-term
dialysis.
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|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Doxercalciferol is metabolized in the body to the active form of
vitamin D.
- Vitamin D controls absorption of calcium from the diet, from the
kidneys and affects calcium use in the bones. Vitamin D works with a hormone
called the parathyroid hormone to balance these
activities.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take this medicine as directed by healthcare provider. It will be
taken three times a week.
- Do not take with cholestyramine, mineral oil, or magnesium-containing
antacids or supplements.
- Stop other vitamins containing vitamin D. Just use this one. Check
with healthcare provider.
- Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider including extra
calcium. Take calcium with meals for better
absorption.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- 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.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking 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.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Side effects may occur if your blood level of calcium is too high.
Signs include weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, nausea and vomiting,
constipation, bone pain.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Follow diet plan and calcium supplements as recommended by healthcare
provider.
|
|
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- 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.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
|
|
- 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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