Paricalcitol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2025.

Applies to paricalcitol: intravenous solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule liquid filled

Serious side effects of paricalcitol

Along with its needed effects, paricalcitol 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking paricalcitol:

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding from the rectum or bloody stools
• chest pain or discomfort
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weight gain
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Rare side effects

• abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• chills
• constipation
• cough
• depression
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dry mouth or skin
• fever
• inability to speak
• incoherent speech
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste
• mood or mental changes
• muscle aches and pains
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• muscle spasms or weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• pale skin
• pounding in the ears
• rapid, shallow breathing
• severe or sudden headache
• shivering
• shortness of breath
• slurred speech
• sweating
• thirst
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• tremor
• trouble thinking
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
• weight loss
• wheezing

Incidence not known

• blurred vision
• confusion
• hoarseness
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• slow or irregular breathing
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects of paricalcitol

Some side effects of paricalcitol 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:

Less common side effects

• abdominal or stomach discomfort
• body aches or pain
• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• burning sensations on the skin
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• change in the color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge
• change in walking and balance
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion as to time, place, or person
• decreased vision
• difficulty with moving
• discharge or excessive tearing
• eye pain
• hallucinations
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• increased hair growth, especially on the face
• itching skin
• lack or loss of strength
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• loss of voice
• muscle stiffness
• muscle twitching or jerking
• night sweats
• pain in the breasts
• rash
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• rhythmic movement of the muscles
• sleeplessness
• swollen joints
• tearing
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

Incidence not known

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• diarrhea
• hives or welts
• inability to have or keep an erection
• indigestion
• redness of the skin
• stomach upset

For healthcare professionals

Applies to paricalcitol: intravenous solution, oral capsule.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were nausea, diarrhea, and elevated calcium phosphate product.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (12.9%), diarrhea (11.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, constipation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, gastroenteritis, stomach discomfort, gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rectal hemorrhage, colitis, gastritis, dyspepsia, dysphagia, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disorder
• Frequency not reported: Intestinal ischemia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevated calcium phosphate product (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fluid overload, hypoglycemia, dehydration, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, decreased appetite, hyperphosphatemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperkalemia, anorexia, thirst^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, hypotension, palpitations
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, atrial flutter
• Frequency not reported: Irregular heart rate^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Vertigo, dizziness, headache, syncope, dysgeusia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Coma, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, myoclonus, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, gait disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Unresponsive to stimuli^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, pneumonia, influenza, oropharyngeal pain, sinusitis, cough
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pulmonary edema, asthma, dyspnea, epistaxis, pharyngitis
• Frequency not reported: Upper respiratory tract infection, orthopnea, wheezing^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Viral infection, edema, peritonitis, chills, pyrexia, pain, fatigue, peripheral edema, malaise, chest pain, fungal infection, infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Laboratory test abnormal, decreased weight, ear disorder, condition aggravated, asthenia
• Frequency not reported: Phosphorous increased, ear discomfort, chest discomfort, feeling abnormal, swelling^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reactions including rash, urticaria, and angioedema (including laryngeal edema)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus, skin ulcer, acne
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, bullous dermatitis, alopecia, hirsutism, hyperhidrosis
• Frequency not reported: Blister, night sweats, rash pruritic, skin burning sensation^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoparathyroidism
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperparathyroidism^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, breast tenderness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vaginal infection, breast pain, erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, arthralgia, arthritis, back pain, muscle spasms
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Joint stiffness, muscle twitching, myalgia^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Renal failure chronic
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood creatinine increased^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sepsis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusional state, delirium, depersonalization, agitation, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Restlessness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bleeding time prolonged, anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic enzyme abnormal, increased aspartate aminotransferase
• Frequency not reported: Alkaline phosphatase decreased^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctivitis, glaucoma
• Frequency not reported: Ocular hyperemia^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breast cancer^[Ref]

Local

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site pain
• Frequency not reported: Injection site extravasation^[Ref]

Further information

Paricalcitol 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