GENERIC NAME: CALCITRIOL - INJECTABLE (kal-SIT-ree-ole)

BRAND NAME(S): Calcijex

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Calcitriol is a type of vitamin D (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the body and necessary for normal bone development. Calcitriol used to treat or prevent certain types of calcium and phosphate disorders (e.g., hypocalcemia) in people on long- term dialysis (chronic renal failure - CRF). It works by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels which, in turn, affect calcium 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, constipation, or pain/discomfort at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: decreased interest in sex. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: drowsiness, lightheadedness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, dehydration, 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, increased need to urinate at night, 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, unusual thirst, change in amount of urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss. Source:MedicineNet Dialysis - Dialysis is a procedure that performs many of the normal duties of the kidneys, like filtering waste products from the blood, when the kidneys no longer work adequately. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Source:MedicineNet Read 9 more calcitriol-injectable related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection