Ergocalciferol is used to treat deficiency in vitamin D, hypoparathyroidism (a type of thyroid disease where the glands in the neck produce low levels of parathyroid hormone), and rickets (a condition resulting to softening of bones which commonly develops in children).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Ergocalciferol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take this medicine at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Ergocalciferol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood)
- high levels of vitamin D in your blood
- abnormal sensitivity to the effects of vitamin D
- metastatic calcification (abnormal calcium deposits in your body)
- malabsorption syndrome (inability of your intestines to absorb nutrients from the food you eat)
as Ergocalciferol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- kidney disease e.g. kidney stones
- hyperphosphataemia (abnormally high level of phosphate in the blood)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. calcium and phosphate levels, bone x-ray, kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of high levels of vitamin D may also be needed.
Ergocalciferol may cause high levels of vitamin D in the blood which is characterised by the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, weakness, confusion, bone pain or stiffness, frequent urination, and excessive thirst.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- mineral oil (medicine for constipation)
- medicines for water retention (water pills) e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, chlortalidone
- medicines to treat TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, isoniazid
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ergocalciferol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Your doctor may give you calcium supplements while being treated with Ergocalciferol. It is important that you are taking enough calcium in your diet so that your body can respond properly to this medicine.
It may be helpful to discuss with your doctor or dietitian about the diet plan that would best suit you.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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