Details

Doxercalciferol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body. Doxercalciferol is used to reduce elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take doxercalciferol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease. Do not take doxercalciferol if you have high levels of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus in your body.

Typical Uses

Doxercalciferol is used to treat people with serious kidney disease who have high levels of a certain natural substance (parathyroid hormone-PTH), which your body normally makes. High PTH levels affect the balance of other minerals in your body (calcium and phosphorus) and may result in weak bones. Doxercalciferol is a man-made form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing PTH levels and increasing calcium/phosphorus levels in the body.

Side Effects

Stop taking doxercalciferol and inform your doctor if you have an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives) an irregular heartbeat increased night-time urination or abdominal pain. Other side effects of doxercalciferol include nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite dry mouth constipation weakness headache dizziness a metallic taste muscle or bone pain increased thirst or urination shortness of breath or itching.

Drug Interactions

• Doxercalciferol+cholecalciferol- Ask your doctor before using cholecalciferol together with doxercalciferol. Blood calcium and phosphorus levels must be closely monitored during therapy with cholecalciferol and doxercalciferol, especially early in treatment during dosage adjustment. An estimate of daily dietary calcium intake should be made and the intake adjusted when indicated. You should be advised to avoid an abrupt increase in dietary calcium intake, as it may trigger high blood calcium levels.

• Doxercalciferol+calcitriol- Ask your doctor before using calcitriol together with doxercalciferol. Blood calcium and phosphorus levels must be closely monitored during therapy with calcitriol and doxercalciferol, especially early in treatment during dosage adjustment. An estimate of daily dietary calcium intake should be made and the intake adjusted when indicated. You should be advised to avoid an abrupt increase in dietary calcium intake, as it may trigger high blood calcium levels.

• Doxercalciferol+paricalcitol- Ask your doctor before using paricalcitol together with doxercalciferol. Blood calcium and phosphorus levels must be closely monitored during therapy with paricalcitol and doxercalciferol, especially early in treatment during dosage adjustment. An estimate of daily dietary calcium intake should be made and the intake adjusted when indicated. You should be advised to avoid an abrupt increase in dietary calcium intake, as it may trigger high blood calcium levels.

Mechanism of action

Doxercalciferol is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) enzyme, prescribed for lung infections and to improve lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis. It helps in proper absorption of calcium and phosphate by the body.

Pregnancy Category : B