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Rocaltrol |
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What is Rocaltrol and why is it prescribed? Rocaltrol is a synthetic form of vitamin D used to treat people on dialysis who have hypocalcemia and resulting bone damage. Rocaltrol is also prescribed to treat low blood calcium levels in people who have hypoparathyroidism. When functioning correctly, these glands help control the level of calcium in the blood. Rocaltrol is also prescribed for hyperparathyroidism and resulting bone disorders in people with kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis. While you are taking Rocaltrol, your doctor may want you to follow a special diet or take calcium supplements. This is an important part of your therapy. On the other hand, too high a calcium level can be harmful. If you are already taking any medications containing calcium or calcium supplements, make sure you doctor knows about it. How should you take Rocaltrol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Rocaltrol. Be sure to get enough fluids and avoid dehydration while taking Rocaltrol. If you miss a dose and you take 1 dose every other day, and you remember before the next day, take the forgotten dose immediately, then go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, take the dose immediately, skip a day, then go back to your regular schedule. If you take 1 dose every day, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you take Rocaltrol more than once a day, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Keep Rocaltrol capsules and oral solution away from heat and light. Are there any Rocaltrol side effects? Rocaltrol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Rocaltrol side effects occurring early may include bone pain, constipation, dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, metallic taste, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. More common Rocaltrol side effects occurring later may include abnormal thirst, apathy, arrested growth, decreased sex drive, dehydration, elevated blood cholesterol levels, excessive urination, extremely high body temperature, high blood pressure, inflamed eyes, intolerance to light, irregular heartbeat, itchy skin, kidney problems, loss of appetite, nighttime urination, runny nose, sensory disturbances, urinary tract infections, wasting of muscles or other tissues, weight loss, and yellowish skin. Rare Rocaltrol side effects may include hives, mental disturbances, skin eruptions, and swelling of mouth and lips. Excessive amounts of Vitamin D may cause abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Rocaltrol? If Rocaltrol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Rocaltrol with Antacids containing magnesium (such as Maalox), Calcium supplements, Cholestyramine (Questran), Digitalis (Lanoxin), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Steroid medications (such as prednisone), Thiazide water pills (such as Dyazide and HydroDIURIL), or Vitamin D pills. Are there any special warnings about Rocaltrol? You should not take additional doses of vitamin D while taking Rocaltrol. People who are on dialysis should not take antacids containing magnesium while taking Rocaltrol. Your doctor will monitor your calcium levels while you are taking Rocaltrol because excessive calcium levels can be very dangerous. If this problem develops, your doctor will need to stop Rocaltrol therapy temporarily and prescribe a lower dose when treatment resumes. While taking Rocaltrol, you should have an adequate daily intake of calcium (at least 600 milligrams a day), either from foods or from a calcium supplement. Your doctor will estimate your daily calcium intake before you take this drug to see if you will require more calcium. |
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