Paricalcitol Capsules

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

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

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 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 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 medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 10 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?

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?

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, or magnesium including antacids, unless directed by your care team. Take calcium only 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
• 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
• Increase in blood pressure

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

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Runny or stuffy nose
• 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?

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 medication after the expiration date.

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.