Paricalcitol is used to prevent or treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (high level of parathyroid hormone due to overactivity of the parathyroid glands) in individuals with severe kidney disease, including those who are undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps to filter toxic substances from the blood).
Take Paricalcitol 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.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Paricalcitol 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 level in the blood)
- high level of vitamin D in your body
as Paricalcitol may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have a certain laboratory test (e.g. kidney function test known as blood creatinine), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
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 blood tests (e.g. blood calcium, phosphorus, or parathyroid hormone levels) may be done while you are being treated with Paricalcitol. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of high levels of vitamin D and calcium in the blood may also be needed.
Paricalcitol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, common cold, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort, dry mouth, altered taste, and skin rash or itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of high levels of calcium in the blood e.g. unusual weakness or tiredness, feeling confused, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, frequent urination, muscle or bone pain
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, fits or seizures
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:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- medicines used to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
- medicines that neutralise stomach acids e.g. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- other medicines or supplements containing calcium, phosphate or vitamin D
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Paricalcitol.
Do not take this medicine with colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine) and mineral oil (medicine for constipation). Colestyramine and mineral oil may reduce the absorption of Paricalcitol when taken at the same time. If you are taking colestyramine or mineral oil, take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after your colestyramine or mineral oil dose.
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.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Your doctor may advise you to limit the amount of phosphorus in your diet. It may be helpful to discuss with your doctor or dietitian about the diet plan that would best suit you.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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