Hectorol Side Effects

Generic name: doxercalciferol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about doxercalciferol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Hectorol.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to doxercalciferol: intravenous solution, oral capsule.

Metabolic

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.