Type of medicine: vitamin D
Generic and brand names: paricalcitol, injection; paricalcitol, oral; Zemplar
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) or taken by mouth to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased production of hormone by the parathyroid glands). This problem may develop in people who have kidney problems and need dialysis regularly.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The injection form of this medicine is given by your healthcare provider no more often than every other day during dialysis. Keep all appointments.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. The capsules may be taken with or without food. Take the capsules with water and swallow the capsules whole. The capsules may be given daily or 3 times a week (every other day).
During treatment, you will have blood tests often to determine the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood. If the levels are too high, your healthcare provider may reduce your dosage or stop your treatment until the levels return to normal. The treatment may then be started again at a lower dosage.
If you miss an oral dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: increased urination, trouble breathing, muscle stiffness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, seizures, dizziness, fever.
You will need to follow a diet in which you get the right amount of calcium and phosphorus. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.
This medicine may raise your blood calcium levels too high. Some early symptoms of high blood calcium levels include unusual weakness or tiredness, constipation, vomiting, metallic taste in your mouth, headache, nausea, dry mouth, and muscle or bone pain. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Black or tarry stools; chest infection; fever; swelling in your face, feet, or ankles; irregular heartbeat; muscle or joint pain; itching; rash; metallic taste in your mouth.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, weakness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, tiredness, dry mouth.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
