Paricalcitol Injection

What is this medication?

PARICALCITOL (par i KAL si trole) treats an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) in people with kidney disease. It works by lowering parathyroid hormone levels in your body, which can support bone health. It is a form of vitamin D.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zemplar, Zemplar Multi-Dose Vial Solution, Zemplar Solution

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• High levels of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to paricalcitol, vitamin D, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Burosumab
• Vitamin D

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin
• Certain medications for cholesterol like cholestyramine, colestipol
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital
• Conivaptan
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Grapefruit juice
• Mineral oil
• Nefazodone
• 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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have important lab work done while you are taking this medication.

You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Do not take any non-prescription medications that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium (including antacids), unless directed by your care team. Taking extra supplements can cause side effects, take only as directed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
• High phosphorus level—muscle pain or cramps, bone or joint pain, numbness and tingling around the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

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 medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.