Zemplar Side Effects

Generic name: paricalcitol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 22, 2023.

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

Applies to paricalcitol: intravenous solution. Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule liquid filled

Serious side effects of Zemplar

Along with its needed effects, paricalcitol (the active ingredient contained in Zemplar) 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

• 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

• 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 Zemplar

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

• 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

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer