PARICALCITOL - INJECTION

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PARICALCITOL - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (PAR-i-KAL-si-tol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zemplar

GENERIC NAME(S): paricalcitol

Uses

USES: Paricalcitol is a man-made active form of vitamin D, which is needed for building and keeping strong bones. Paricalcitol is used in patients with long-term kidney disease to treat or prevent high levels of a certain natural substance made by the body (parathyroid hormone). Too much parathyroid hormone can cause serious problems such as bone disorders. Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. People with kidney disease cannot make enough of the active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones.


How to use PARICALCITOL - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if one is available from your pharmacist before you start using paricalcitol. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medication is given by injection into a vein during dialysis, usually by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a week (every other day). The dosage is based on your condition, weight, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. Your doctor will do blood tests to find the best dose for you. It is very important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) unless ordered by your doctor.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, chills, or fever may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your vitamin D and calcium levels too high. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious effects of too much vitamin D/calcium occur: constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, muscle/bone/joint pain, metallic taste in mouth, weakness, vomiting. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects of very high vitamin D levels occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, eye pain/redness/sensitivity to light, severe runny nose, stomach/abdominal pain. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: dizziness, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, swelling hands/ankles/feet, severe mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion), easy bleeding/bruising, bloody/tarry stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using paricalcitol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), high levels of vitamin D (hypervitaminosis D), regular use/abuse of alcohol, brain problems (e.g., seizures, brain injury), heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, coronary artery disease), liver disease. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication contains alcohol. It may make you dizzy or drowsy. Marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: products that contain aluminum/magnesium (e.g., certain antacids, phosphate binders), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, calcium supplements, other products that contain vitamin D or phosphate (e.g., ergocalciferol, sodium phosphate). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, vitamins) because they may contain calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for PARICALCITOL - INJECTION

Paricalcitol is a medication that belongs to the group of drugs known as vitamin D analogs. It is used to treat and prevent the overproduction of parathyroid hormone in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Paricalcitol works by binding to the vitamin D receptor in the parathyroid gland, reducing the production and release of parathyroid hormone. This helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

The common side effects of Paricalcitol injection may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, and bone or muscle pain. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if any of these side effects become bothersome or persistent.

Paricalcitol injection is administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on your individual condition and the recommendation of your doctor.

It is not recommended to use Paricalcitol during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before taking Paricalcitol, as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the nursing infant.

There are certain medications that may interact with Paricalcitol, including other vitamin D supplements, calcium supplements, phosphate binders, and certain antacids. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting Paricalcitol.

The effects of Paricalcitol may vary from individual to individual. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment based on your condition. It may take several weeks to notice the full benefits of Paricalcitol.

If you miss a dose of Paricalcitol, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss the next steps. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose unless instructed by your doctor.

Paricalcitol is generally not recommended for use in children unless specifically prescribed by a pediatric specialist. The safety and effectiveness of Paricalcitol in pediatric patients have not been established.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.