Doxercalciferol (dox-er-kal-SIF-er-ol)

Treats secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. It is usually taken at the time you have dialysis treatment.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how doxercalciferol works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin, erythromycin, glutethimide, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, or a diuretic (water pill).
• Do not use vitamin D, phosphate, or calcium supplements, or antacids or other medicines containing magnesium without asking your doctor.
• Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine, mineral oil, or other products that may affect fat absorption.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, bone disease, or a history of hypercalcemia.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood)
  • Bone problems, including adynamic bone disease with high risk of fractures
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bone pain
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, difficult or painful urination
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, seizures
• Feeling tired, trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, increased thirst, weight loss
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, trouble sleeping

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088