Calcitriol Injection

What is this medication?

CALCITRIOL (kal si TRYE ole) prevents and treats low calcium levels in people with kidney disease. It works by increasing the amount of calcium in your body. It also helps regulate parathyroid hormone levels. 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): Calcijex

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

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

• Too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, calcitriol, 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.

Talk to your care team regarding 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?

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:

• Calcium supplements
• Cholestyramine
• Corticosteroids
• Digoxin
• Ketoconazole
• Magnesium supplements
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Phosphate-binding agents
• Some antacids
• Thiazide diuretics

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 medicines that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids, unless directed by your care team. Limit the amount of calcium you get each day as directed. 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
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• 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):

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Upset stomach

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.