paricalcitol

Brand name(s):

Zemplar

What is the most important information I should know about paricalcitol?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood.

Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, liver disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.

Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.

Paricalcitol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

What is paricalcitol?

Paricalcitol is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Paricalcitol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands) in people with chronic kidney failure.

Paricalcitol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paricalcitol?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:

high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D).

Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor if you have:

high blood pressure;
liver disease; or
an electrolyte imbalance.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Your paricalcitol dose needs may change if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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