Doxercalciferol (dox-er-kal-SIF-er-ol)

Treats secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Brand Name(s):

Hectorol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. It is usually given after your dialysis treatment.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how doxercalciferol works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin, erythromycin, glutethimide, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, or a diuretic (water pill).
• Do not use vitamin D, phosphate, or calcium supplements, or antacids or other medicines containing magnesium without asking your doctor.
• Use this medicine at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine, mineral oil, or other products that may affect fat absorption.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, bone disease, or a history of hypercalcemia.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood)
  • Bone problems, including adynamic bone disease with high risk of fractures
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bone pain
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, seizures
• Feeling tired, trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, increased thirst, weight loss

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, redness, or swelling where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088