What is Hectorol used for?
Hectorol is used
to lower high parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in patients with
Stage 5 chronic kidney disease on dialysis
Hectorol capsules
are also used to lower high parathyroid hormone in patients with
Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease who are not on
dialysis.
Who should not be treated with Hectorol?
- People with a high level of calcium in the blood.
- People with signs of extremely high levels of vitamin D.
Special Warnings with Hectorol:
- Periodic monitoring of your condition by your doctor is
important while being treated with Hectorol.
- Because Hectorol affects the absorption of calcium be the
body, it is important for you and your doctor to be aware of
the early symptoms of too much calcium in your blood,
including weakness, headache, excessive sleepiness, nausea,
vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain and
metal taste in your mouth. If you have these symptoms, contact
your doctor right away. Later symptoms include frequent need
to urinate, loss of appetite, weight loss, pink eye,
sensitivity to sunlight, nasal discharge, skin itching, and
fever.
General Precautions with Hectorol:
- Do not take Hectorol with magnesium containing antacids,
because these may cause too much magnesium to build up in your
body.
- Do not take Hectorol with mineral oil or
cholesterol-lowering drugs containing cholestyramine, because
these may reduce the amount of Hectorol absorbed by your body.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Because certain other medications can interact with Hectorol,
review all medications that you are taking with your health care
provider, including those that you take without a prescription.
Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become
pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of
Hectorol? (This is NOT a complete
list of side effects reported with Hectorol. Your health care
provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side
effects.)
Side effects of Hectorol are, in general, similar to those of
high blood calcium associated with too much vitamin D intake.
Some side effects are:
- Swelling
- Headache
- Generally not feeling well
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
For more detailed information about Hectorol, ask your health
care provider.
Hectorol's Approved Labeling
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