Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PARICALCITOL - INJECTABLE

(pear-ih-KAL-sit-ole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zemplar

Uses

Paricalcitol is a man-made form of vitamin D used to reduce or prevent high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with long-term kidney failure (chronic renal failure - CRF). High parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels can cause low calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.

How To Use

Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication into a vein (IV) usually every other day or at any time during dialysis; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Nausea, headache, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Promptly tell your doctor if you notice any of these side effects: decreased interest in sex, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: drowsiness, lightheadedness, vomiting, dry mouth, metallic taste in the mouth, unusual weakness, bone pain, muscle pain, swelling. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chills, weight loss, loss of appetite, eye problems, stomach pain, sensitivity to light, severe runny nose, itching, dizziness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: irregular heartbeat, severe mental/mood changes, bloody or tarry stool, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, coronary artery disease), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other vitamin D or phosphate-containing products, digoxin, aluminum-containing products (e.g., certain antacids), calcium supplements. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, unusually deep sleep.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium and/or phosphorus levels) may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.