Vitamin D Capsules and Tablets

What is this medication?

VITAMIN D (VAHY tuh min D) prevents and treats low vitamin D levels in your body. It works by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed by your body. Vitamin D and calcium help build and maintain the health of your bones. Vitamin D also plays an important role in supporting your immune system and brain health.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DECARA, Deltalin, Dialyvite, Dialyvite Vitamin D, Dialyvite Vitamin D3, Drisdol, Ergo D, Happy Sunshine Vitamin D3, MAXIMUM D3, PureMark Naturals Vitamin D, Super Happy SUNSHINE Vitamin D3, Thera-D 2000, Thera-D 4000, Thera-D Rapid Repletion, THERA-D SPORT

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

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

• Cystic fibrosis
• Gallbladder disease
• High levels of calcium in the blood
• High levels of vitamin D in the blood
• Inflammatory bowel disease such, as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Parathyroid disease
• Other stomach disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label at the same time every day. Take it with a meal or snack; for best results, take it with foods that contain fat (i.e., milk, yogurt, cheese). Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 medication?

• Antacids
• Diuretics
• Magnesium supplements
• Medications for cholesterol, such as cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol
• Medications for seizures, such as phenytoin, fosphenytoin
• Mineral oil
• Orlistat
• Phosphorus supplements
• Rifampin

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 may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not take any non-prescription medications that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking this medication, unless your care team says you can. The extra supplements can cause side effects.

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

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

• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

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?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.