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| Pronunciation |
|
 (er
goe kal SIF e
role) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Calciferol™;
Drisdol® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Ostoforte®(Canada); Radiostol®
(Canada) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Vitamin D Analog |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to ergocalciferol or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Large amounts of calcium
or vitamin D in the body, inability to absorb nutrition properly through the
intestines.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used for rickets, low phosphate levels, and poor
parathyroid function.
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| How does it work? |
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- Ergocalciferol is a form of vitamin D. Vitamin D acts as a hormone in
the body. It helps to control calcium in the body. Vitamin D changes calcium and
phosphorus absorption from the diet and their role in strengthening
bones.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take at a similar time every day.
- A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Use dropper to measure liquid medicine.
- Do not take cholestyramine, mineral oil, magnesium-containing
antacids, or orlistat with this medicine.
- Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider including extra
calcium. Take calcium with meals for better
absorption.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- 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.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Do not use as a dietary supplement.
- Do not use other vitamin D containing vitamins with 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.
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| 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, and bone pain.
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| What should I monitor? |
|
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- Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- 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.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- 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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