Introduction

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

Lowers high levels of parathyroid hormone in the body in kidney dialysis patients. Doxercalciferol is a form of vitamin D.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Hectorol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have had high blood calcium levels more than once.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is usually given at the end of your dialysis treatment and is injected into a vein.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking phenobarbital (Donnatal®), glutethimide (Doriden®), or digitalis drugs such as digoxin (Lanoxin®) or digitoxin (Crystodigin®).
• Do not take calcium supplements or any other type of vitamin D without your doctor's approval.
• Avoid antacids that contain magnesium (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®) while you are using this medicine.
• Follow the diet plan your doctor gives to you.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, or a history of high levels of phosphate or calcium in your blood.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

• Bone or muscle pain
• Difficult breathing
• Dry mouth, metallic taste in mouth
• Headache, weakness, sleepiness
• Increased thirst, urinating more often (especially at night)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Seizures

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

• Joint pain
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Weight gain

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