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EspañolParicalcitol overview
BRAND NAMES:
Zemplar, Zemplar
Generic Names:
Paricalcitol
Uses:
Treats and prevents hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.
Therapeutic Classes:
Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Forms:
Liquid Filled Capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Paricalcitol used for?
Paricalcitol comes in the form of a liquid filled capsule and is used to prevent and treat overactive thyroid glands in persons with kidney failure. Paricalcitol works by reducing the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. Paricalcitol should not be used if there are high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your blood. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What form(s) does Paricalcitol come in
Liquid Filled Capsule
What are common Paricalcitol doses?
Capsule 1MCG
Capsule 2MCG
Vial 1ML of 2MCG/ML
Vial 1ML of 5MCG/ML
Vial 2ML of 5MCG/ML
Common Paricalcitol prescriptions
Paricalcitol
1mcg capsuleParicalcitol
2mcg capsuleParicalcitol
4mcg capsuleParicalcitol
1ml of 2mcg/ml vialParicalcitol
1ml of 5mcg/ml vial
How to take Paricalcitol
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet and use of vitamin and mineral supplements.
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.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet and use of vitamin and mineral supplements.
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.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Paricalcitol
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Paricalcitol contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to paricalcitol, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood.
Paricalcitol warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as arrhythmia), or seizures.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)Increase aluminum in the blood and may cause harm to your bones
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.
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
Eye redness, or sensitivity to light.
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
Feeling confused, depressed, or nervous.
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Severe muscle pain or bone pain.
Sudden and severe stomach pain.
Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Paricalcitol interactions
Some foods and medicines can affect how paricalcitol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Boceprevir, cholestyramine, clarithromycin, conivaptan, digoxin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, mineral oil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazoleDiuretic (water pill)
Do not use vitamin D, phosphate, or calcium supplements, or antacids or binders containing aluminum without asking your doctor.
Your doctor may tell you to limit your dietary intake of phosphate. Foods that are high in phosphate include beans, beer, chocolate, cheese, cola soft drinks, ice cream, milk, nuts, peas, whole grain products, and yogurt.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Paricalcitol side effects
Serious 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
Feeling tired, trouble thinking clearly, constipation, nausea, vomiting
Increase in how much or how often you urinate, increase thirst
Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite, diarrhea
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing
Stuffy or runny nose.
Trouble sleeping.
Unusual weakness or sleepiness.
Less Serious Side Effects
Eye pain, swelling of the eyes
Stuffy or runny nose
Dizziness