About DOXERCALCIFEROL
DOXERCALCIFEROL belongs to the class of medications called vitamin D analogue. It is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal disease patients with or without dialysis therapy. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands enlarge and produce an excessive amount of PTH, resulting in a high PTH level in the blood.
DOXERCALCIFEROL contains Doxercalciferol. It promotes the body's consumption of calcium from food or supplements, as well as the management of parathyroid hormone synthesis.
It's available on prescription; take it as directed by your physician. Sometimes, you may experience certain common side effects, including headache, dizziness, heartburn, sleep disorders, joint pain, and weight gain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
Using DOXERCALCIFEROL is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypercalcemia, have current evidence of vitamin D toxicity, or are allergic to any of its components. So, before taking DOXERCALCIFEROL, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. DOXERCALCIFEROL should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is unknown whether Doxercalciferol is excreted in human milk. Considering the importance of the drug to the mother, a decision should be made whether to quit nursing or the medicine. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy or nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing DOXERCALCIFEROL.
Uses of DOXERCALCIFEROL
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Medicinal Benefits
DOXERCALCIFEROL contains Doxercalciferol, which belongs to the vitamin D analogue class of medications. It promotes the body's consumption of calcium from food or supplements, as well as the management of parathyroid hormone synthesis. Thus, Doxercalciferol helps to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal disease patients.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of DOXERCALCIFEROL
Headache
Dizziness
Heartburn
Sleep disorders
Joint pain
Weight gain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take DOXERCALCIFEROL if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. DOXERCALCIFEROL should not be used in pregnant women or nursing mothers unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy or nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing DOXERCALCIFEROL.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: DOXERCALCIFEROL may interact with certain medicines used to treat duodenal ulcers (e.g. sucralfate), and certain medicines or supplements contain vitamin D or cholecalciferol.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: DOXERCALCIFEROL may interact with various disease conditions, including hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood.), and liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol along with DOXERCALCIFEROL is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionDOXERCALCIFEROL should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant and planning to become pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionDOXERCALCIFEROL is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Before taking this medicine, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the medication or breastfeeding based on your medical condition.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown whether DOXERCALCIFEROL alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms affecting your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised while using DOXERCALCIFEROL in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving DOXERCALCIFEROL if you have a history of liver diseases. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCare and close monitoring should be exercised when using this agent in patients with severe renal impairment or on dialysis. Inform your doctor before receiving DOXERCALCIFEROL if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficacy of DOXERCALCIFEROL in pediatric patients have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Consume a well-balanced and healthy diet.
Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9
Eat low-phosphorus foods such as sourdough bread, corn or rice cereals, cream of wheat, unsalted popcorn and some light-coloured sodas & lemonade.
Avoid high-phosphorus foods, including bran cereals, oatmeal, nuts, sunflower seeds, whole-grain bread and dark-coloured colas.
Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of illness.
Special Advise
Monitor your calcium levels regularly during treatment with DOXERCALCIFEROL. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of low calcium levels, such as numbness or tingling around the mouth or muscle aches.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Secondary hyperparathyroidism: Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands enlarge and produce excessive PTH, resulting in a high PTH level in the blood. There are various reasons why this occurs in kidney disease patients: Higher blood phosphorus levels, the inability of the kidneys to produce active vitamin D (required for calcium absorption), and lower blood calcium levels.
