Hectorol

Generic Name: doxercalciferol (dock sir kal SIH fer all)
Brand Names: Hectorol

What is Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

Doxercalciferol 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.

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

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

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

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 doxercalciferol, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Who should not take Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

Do not take doxercalciferol 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 doxercalciferol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease.

Doxercalciferol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take doxercalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether doxercalciferol passes into breast milk. However, it is believed that doxercalciferol could affect a nursing baby. Do not take doxercalciferol if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

Take doxercalciferol 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.

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

Store doxercalciferol 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 doxercalciferol.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a doxercalciferol 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 (doxercalciferol)?

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

Hectorol (doxercalciferol) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking doxercalciferol 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 (doxercalciferol)?

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 doxercalciferol, 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 doxercalciferol. 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 doxercalciferol written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Doxercalciferol is available with a prescription under the brand name Hectorol. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Hectorol 2.5 mcg-yellow, oval, soft gelatin capsules

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
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