Zemplar
Generic Name: paricalcitol (PAR i KAL si tol)
Brand Names: Zemplar
What is Zemplar?
Zemplar is a 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.
Zemplar is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactivity of the parathyroid gland) in people with chronic kidney failure. It works by blocking the formation and release of parathyroid hormone.
Zemplar may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
Important information about Zemplar
Do not use Zemplar if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood.Before taking Zemplar, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, liver disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
Zemplar is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Before taking Zemplar
Do not use Zemplar if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:-
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
-
high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D).
Before taking Zemplar, tell your doctor if you have:
-
high blood pressure;
-
liver disease; or
-
an electrolyte imbalance.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Zemplar.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Your Zemplar dose needs may change if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use Zemplar without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.How should I take Zemplar?
Take Zemplar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Zemplar is sometimes taken daily, and sometimes taken every other day. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Zemplar.
You may take this medication with or without food.
To be sure Zemplar is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Zemplar is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store Zemplar at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much Zemplar. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.Zemplar overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking Zemplar?
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends.
Zemplar side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Zemplar and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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chest pain, feeling short of breath;
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feeling like you might pass out;
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swelling, rapid weight gain;
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pain or burning when you urinate;
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dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, muscle weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions); or
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early signs of vitamin D overdose (weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting).
Less serious side effects may include:
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dizziness, spinning sensation;
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back pain;
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stomach pain, indigestion;
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diarrhea;
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mild muscle or joint pain;
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sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose; or
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mild itching or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Zemplar?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Zemplar. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zemplar.
- 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
- 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. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
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More Zemplar resources:
Zemplar - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
