Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Doxercalciferol
Other Names: Hectorol Solution for Injection
Drug Class: Vitamin D Analogues
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Hectorol Solution for Injection? (Back to top)
DOXERCALCIFEROL is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is used in patients with chronic renal failure. It helps your body keep the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
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 doxercalciferol, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is injected into a muscle, or infused through a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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? (Back to top)
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 medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• vitamin D

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital
• digoxin
• diuretics
• erythromycin
• glutethimide
• grapefruit juice
• ketoconazole
• certain medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine, colestipol
• some over-the-counter products like antacids and vitamins

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bone, muscle pain
• breathing problems
• chest pain, irregular heartbeat
• fever, infection
• hallucination, loss of contact with reality
• high blood pressure
• increased thirst
• increased need to urinate, especially at night
• numb, tingling pain
• seizure
• unexpected weight loss
• unusually weak or tired

• constipation
• dry mouth
• headache
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste
• stomach upset
• trouble sleeping

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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You will need to have important lab work done while you are taking this medicine.

You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids, unless your doctor instructs you to. Extra supplements can cause side effects.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine 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.

Last Updated:March 14, 2007

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