What is doxercalciferol?
Doxercalciferol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Doxercalciferol is used to reduce elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis.
Doxercalciferol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about doxercalciferol?
Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, a metallic taste in the mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, or decreased appetite. These can be early signs of too much calcium in the body.
Do not take antacids that contain magnesium while taking doxercalciferol, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Who should not take doxercalciferol?
Do not take doxercalciferol if you have high levels of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus in your body.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take doxercalciferol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease.
Doxercalciferol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take doxercalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether doxercalciferol passes into breast milk. However, it is believed that doxercalciferol could affect a nursing baby. Do not take doxercalciferol if you are breast-feeding a baby.