Calcitriol
Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D, which increases the absorption of calcium. Additionally, calcitriol improves the parathyroid gland function in patients with chronic kidney disease or who have had their parathyroid glands removed. The parathyroid glands are important for regulating bone health.
This medication comes in tablet or injection form.
- Take this medication as instructed by your healthcare professional.
- Do not stop taking your medication unless as advised by your healthcare professional.
- You may take this medication with or without food.
If you forget to take a dose and the timing is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You have high calcium levels or too much vitamin D in your body.
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
It is important to go for blood tests as advised by your healthcare professional to ensure your calcium levels are within range.
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, such as
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
As this medication increases the absorption of calcium, you may develop high calcium levels. It is important that you keep up with any blood tests recommended by your healthcare professional, and to be aware of the possible symptoms of high calcium levels.
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- A need to pass urine more often
- Throwing up
- Constipation
- Bone pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplement that contains calcium or vitamin D.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
