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Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body take in calcium.

Cholecalciferol is used as a dietary supplement for people who do not get enough vitamin D from their diets to stay healthy.

Cholecalciferol may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all guides or instruction sheets. Use only the recommended dose of cholecalciferol.

It may be best to take cholecalciferol after a meal, but you can take it with or without food.

Measure liquid cholecalciferol carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

To take a disintegrating (Quick-Melt) tablet, place it on your tongue and do not swallow it whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If you want, you can drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

The cholecalciferol wafer is usually taken only once per week or once per month. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. The wafer must be chewed before you swallow it.

While using cholecalciferol, you will need frequent blood tests. You may also need x-rays.

Your doctor will decide how long to treat you with cholecalciferol.

Cholecalciferol may be only part of a complete treatment plan that also includes dietary changes and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Learn about the foods you should eat to ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your cholecalciferol dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

You should not take cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body, or if you have any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

You should not use cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:

• high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• kidney disease; or
• an electrolyte imbalance.

Certain forms of cholecalciferol may contain ingredients you should know about, such as peanut or soybean oil, sugar, aspartame (phenylalanine), or certain food dyes. Ask a doctor before using cholecalciferol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU).

Too much vitamin D could harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using cholecalciferol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give cholecalciferol to a child without medical advice. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking cholecalciferol and call your doctor right away if you have:

• chest pain or shortness of breath;
• growth problems (in a child taking cholecalciferol); or
• early signs of vitamin D overdose--weakness, a metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Less serious side effects may happen more often, and you may not experience any at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take cholecalciferol as soon as possible, but if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much vitamin D can lead to serious or life-threatening side effects.

Signs of an overdose may include nausea, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, urinating more or less than usual, body aches, stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking cholecalciferol.

Certain medications can make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin D. If you take other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take cholecalciferol.

Other drugs may affect cholecalciferol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any new medicines you start or stop using.