PARICALCITOL - ORAL

  • Home
  • PARICALCITOL - ORAL

PARICALCITOL - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (pear-ih-KAL-sit-ole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zemplar

GENERIC NAME(S): paricalcitol

Uses

USES: Paricalcitol is used to treat and prevent high levels of a certain natural substance made by the body (parathyroid hormone) in patients with long-term kidney disease. In these patients, the high level of parathyroid hormone is caused by a low level of calcium and a certain kind of vitamin D. Too much parathyroid hormone can cause serious problems such as bone disorders. Paricalcitol is a man-made form of vitamin D. It helps to reduce parathyroid hormone levels and may help your body absorb calcium and phosphorus.


How to use PARICALCITOL - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or 3 times a week or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication 3 times a week, do not take it more often than every other day. Dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication on a schedule other than every day (e.g., 3 times a week), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. It is very important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) unless ordered by your doctor.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: 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. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, loss of appetite, back/bone/joint/muscle pain, constipation, dry mouth, eye pain/redness/sensitivity to light, headache, nausea/vomiting, drowsiness, stomach/abdominal pain, increased thirst, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), mental/mood changes (e.g., psychosis). 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 taking 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), heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), seizures. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). 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: other vitamin D products (e.g., ergocalciferol), products that contain aluminum (e.g., certain antacids, phosphate binders), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin. Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, vitamins) because they may contain aluminum, calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin D (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat). Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of vitamin D. It may be easiest to take vitamin D at bedtime if you are also taking these other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including cholesterol tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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. Symptoms of overdose may include: weakness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, drowsiness.

Images

PARICALCITOL 4 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 4 MCG CAPSULE
color
gold
shape
oblong
imprint
P4
PARICALCITOL 1 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 1 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 1 MCG CAPSULE
color
gray
shape
oblong
imprint
logo and ZA
PARICALCITOL 2 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 2 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 2 MCG CAPSULE
color
orange-brown
shape
oblong
imprint
logo and ZF
PARICALCITOL 1 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 1 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 1 MCG CAPSULE
color
gray
shape
oblong
imprint
PA1
PARICALCITOL 2 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 2 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 2 MCG CAPSULE
color
orange-brown
shape
oblong
imprint
PA2
PARICALCITOL 4 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 4 MCG CAPSULE
PARICALCITOL 4 MCG CAPSULE
color
yellow
shape
oblong
imprint
PA4

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for PARICALCITOL - ORAL

Paricalcitol is an oral medication used to treat and prevent low levels of vitamin D in the body, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Paricalcitol works by helping the body absorb and use calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. It also helps to regulate parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which can become too high in people with kidney disease.

Some common side effects of paricalcitol may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and increased thirst. It is important to inform your doctor if any side effects persist or become severe.

Paricalcitol is typically taken orally, as directed by your doctor. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and not exceed the prescribed amount. The medication is usually taken with food to enhance absorption.

Paricalcitol may interact with certain medications, including corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics, and certain antacids or laxatives containing magnesium. Be sure to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The effects of paricalcitol may be seen within a few weeks, but it typically takes several months of treatment to achieve full therapeutic benefits. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

Paricalcitol should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether the medication passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before taking paricalcitol while breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose of paricalcitol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Taking more than the prescribed dose of paricalcitol can lead to vitamin D toxicity, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and increased thirst. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

PARICALCITOL - ORAL Pricing Page Get Discount Coupon


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.