Hectorol Side Effects

Generic name: doxercalciferol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 2, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Hectorol Side Effects associated with doxercalciferol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Hectorol.

Applies to doxercalciferol: oral capsule liquid filled.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests are needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase the calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, constipation, depression, dry mouth, headache, incoherent speech, increased urination, loss of appetite, metallic taste, muscle weakness, nausea, stomach pain, thirst, unusual tiredness, vomiting, or weight loss.

Adynamic bone disease (low bone turnover) with high risk of fractures may occur while using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest tightness, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, skin rash, large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Taking other medicines (eg, digoxin, Lanoxin®) together with doxercalciferol (the active ingredient contained in Hectorol) may require your doctor to change the dose of this medicine.

Serious side effects of Hectorol

Along with its needed effects, doxercalciferol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking doxercalciferol:

Other side effects of Hectorol

Some side effects of doxercalciferol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to doxercalciferol: intravenous solution, oral capsule.

Metabolic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Edema (34.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, weight increase, dehydration
• Frequency not reported: Hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria^[Ref]

Early signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia have included weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, metallic taste, and anorexia.

Prolonged hypercalcemia may result in polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia conjunctivitis (calcific), pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), ectopic calcification, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, sensory disturbances, dehydration, apathy, arrested growth, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, overt psychosis.

Hyperphosphatemia may exacerbate hyperparathyroidism.

Hypercalciuria may accelerate the onset of renal failure.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Oversuppression of parathyroid hormone^[Ref]

Oversuppression of iPTH may result in adynamic bone syndrome.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, chest pain^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea/vomiting (21.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, constipation^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (27.9%), dizziness (11.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertonia, paresthesia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (11.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough increased, rhinitis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Malaise (27.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abscess^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Sleep disorder, depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (including fatal outcome)

Hypersensitivity reactions include anaphylaxis with symptoms of angioedema (involving face, lips, tongue, and airway), hypotension, unresponsiveness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cardiopulmonary arrest, pruritus, and skin burning sensation. These reactions may occur separately or together.

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Hectorol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer