Calcijex Side Effects

Generic Name: calcitriol

Please note - some side effects for Calcijex may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Calcijex - for the Consumer

Calcijex Solution

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Calcijex Solution. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Calcijex Solution:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; bone pain; constipation; decreased sex drive; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; eye redness or irritation; fever; flushing; frequent urination; headache; increased body temperature; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; mental or mood changes; metallic taste; muscle pain; nausea; runny nose; sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight; stomach pain or cramps; unexplained weight loss; unusual thinking; vomiting; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Calcijex Side Effects - for the Professional

Calcijex

Adverse effects of Calcijex (calcitriol injection) are, in general, similar to those encountered with excessive vitamin D intake. The early and late signs and symptoms of vitamin D intoxication associated with hypercalcemia include:

Early

Weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain and metallic taste.

Late

Polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis (calcific), pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated BUN, albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated SGOT and SGPT, ectopic calcification, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and, rarely, overt psychosis.

Occasional mild pain on injection has been observed.

Post-Marketing Experience

Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including anaphylaxis.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Metabolic

Early signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, constipation, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, muscle and bone pain, ataxia, tinnitus, abdominal pain, and vertigo. Later hypercalcemia may result in pruritus, mental confusion, coma, elevated hepatic transaminase levels, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, metastatic calcification, and renal insufficiency manifested by polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, and proteinuria and elevated BUN.

In one study, the incidence of hypercalcemia was lower (50% vs 80%) when calcitriol was administered at night as opposed to morning administration. Hypercalcemia also appears to occur more commonly in patients receiving intermittent vs. continuous therapy and in oral vs. intravenous therapy.

Patients with renal failure are more prone to the development of hypercalcemia because the urinary excretion of calcium cannot compensate for increases in serum calcium.

Increased phosphate absorption may be detrimental in patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia.

Metabolic side effects have included hypercalcemia and increased phosphate absorption.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. A single case of erythema multiform has been reported. Another case involving a single patient experiencing an allergic reaction including total body hives and swelling of the lips has also been reported.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.