Before taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Hectorol (doxercalciferol), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), liver disease, high calcium blood levels (hypercalcemia), high phosphate blood levels (hyperphosphatemia), seizure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Hectorol (doxercalciferol).
It is not known whether Hectorol (doxercalciferol) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Hectorol (doxercalciferol) by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times a week on dialysis days (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage of Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose or temporarily stop Hectorol (doxercalciferol) based on laboratory test results (PTH levels). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or stop taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol) without your doctor's approval.
It is very important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. (See also Drug Interactions section.)
Use Hectorol (doxercalciferol) regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day that you have a prescribed dose.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Headache, upset stomach, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Hectorol (doxercalciferol) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Hectorol (doxercalciferol) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bone/joint/muscle pain, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., drowsiness, disturbed/irrational thoughts or beliefs), metallic taste in mouth, weakness, unexplained weight gain or loss.
A very serious allergic reaction to Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Hectorol side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Hectorol (doxercalciferol), take it as soon as you remember. Consult your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using Hectorol (doxercalciferol), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, phosphate binders, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove Hectorol (doxercalciferol) from your body (e.g., glutethimide, rifampin, azole antifungals including ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, anti-seizure drugs including phenobarbital/phenytoin).
Certain medications (e.g., bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease the effect of Hectorol (doxercalciferol) if taken at the same time. Avoid taking these medications within 2 hours before or after Hectorol (doxercalciferol).
Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins/nutritional supplements) because they may contain calcium, magnesium, phosphate, or vitamin D. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.