Calcifediol

Generic name: Calcifediol
Dosage form: oral capsule, extended release (30 mcg)
Drug class: Vitamins

Usage of Calcifediol

Calcifediol is a vitamin D3. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Calcifediol is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) in adults who have stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney failure and low vitamin D levels. Calcifediol is not for people who are receiving dialysis.

Calcifediol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcifediol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Calcifediol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

high calcium levels--confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss; or

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of calcifediol may include:

constipation; or

runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Calcifediol

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems; or

high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether calcifediol will harm an unborn baby. However, having chronic kidney disease during pregnancy may cause complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating kidney disease may outweigh any risks to the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice vomiting, constipation, weight loss, or seizures in the nursing baby.

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How to use Calcifediol

Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:

Initial dose: 50 mcg orally once a day or 100 mcg orally every other day. Maintenance dose: May increase by 20 mcg/dose at 4 week intervals.

Usual Adult Dose for Renal Osteodystrophy:

Initial dose: 50 mcg orally once a day or 100 mcg orally every other day. Maintenance dose: May increase by 20 mcg/dose at 4 week intervals.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Calcifediol

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the SAMe time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

cholestyramine;

digoxin, digitalis;

phenobarbital or other seizure medications;

an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;

antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS;

a diuretic or "water pill";

heart medication; or

medications or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect calcifediol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Rayaldee (calcifediol) extended-release capsules are used to treat adults with overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) who have stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease and low levels of vitamin D (less than 30 ng/ml). Continue reading

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