Paricalcitol
Paricalcitol Oral capsule
What is this medicine?
PARICALCITOL (par i KAL si trole) is a man made form of vitamin D. It is used in patients with chronic renal failure. It helps your body keep the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
liver disease
too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D in your blood
an unusual or allergic reaction to paricalcitol, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
vitamin D
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin
certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital
digoxin
diuretics
grapefruit juice
medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine, colestipol
medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
medicines for HIV called protease inhibitors
nefazodone
mineral oil
orlistat
some antacids and vitamins
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have important lab work done while you are taking this medicine.
You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that have vitamin D, phosphorus, or magnesium including antacids, unless directed by your doctor. Take calcium only as directed. The extra supplements can cause side effects.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bone, muscle pain
breathing problems
chest pain, irregular heartbeat
fever, infection
hallucinations
increased need to urinate
increased thirst
numb, tingling pain
unexpected weight loss
unusual blood pressure
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation, diarrhea
dry mouth
headache
loss of appetite
metallic taste
nausea, vomiting
stomach upset
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Paricalcitol Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
PARICALCITOL (par i KAL si trole) is a man made form of vitamin D. It is used in patients with chronic renal failure. It helps your body maintain the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
liver disease
too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D in your blood
an unusual or allergic reaction to paricalcitol, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
vitamin D
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin
certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital
digoxin
diuretics
grapefruit juice
medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine, colestipol
medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
medicines for HIV called protease inhibitors
nefazodone
some antacids and vitamins
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have important lab work done while you are taking this medicine.
You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium (including antacids), unless directed by your doctor. Taking extra supplements can cause side effects, take only as directed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bone, muscle pain
breathing problems
chest pain, irregular heartbeat
fever, infection
hallucinations
increased need to urinate
increased thirst
metallic taste
numb, tingling pain
unexpected weight loss
unusual blood pressure
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation, diarrhea
dry mouth
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
stomach upset
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert