Hectorol (oral/injection)

Hectorol is a man-made version of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for helping the body absorb calcium from the stomach and for the proper use of calcium in the body.

Hectorol is used to help keep parathyroid hormone levels healthy in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

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

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use Hectorol if you are allergic to it, or if you have high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your body.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• a vitamin D deficiency; or
• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you breast-feed while receiving Hectorol injection, watch for signs of hypercalcemia in your baby (such as feeding problems, vomiting, constipation, or seizure).

Hectorol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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

Hectorol may cause serious side effects. Stop using Hectorol and call your doctor right away if you have:

• chest pain, slow heartbeats;
• high calcium levels--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, confusion, lack of energy, weight loss, tiredness;
• signs of infection--fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, warmth, redness, vomiting, diarrhea, pain or burning when you urinate;
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects of Hectorol may include:

• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• infections, not feeling well;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough;
• itching;
• headache, dizziness, weakness;
• depressed mood, trouble sleeping;
• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• feeling short of breath;
• swelling; or
• muscle stiffness.

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Hectorol is usually given either once daily or 3 times per week. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Hectorol oral is taken by mouth.

Hectorol injection is given as an infusion into a vein at the end of dialysis. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your blood will need to be tested often. Your doses may be delayed based on the results.

Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if Hectorol is effective.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose of Hectorol.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Avoid using any vitamin D or calcium supplements without your doctor's advice.

Some medicines can make Hectorol much less effective if taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your oral dose of this medicine 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking the other medicine:

• cholestyramine; or
• mineral oil.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin;
• an antacid;
• an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
• a calcium or a vitamin D supplement;
• a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• seizure medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Hectorol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.