Paricalcitol is used to prevent or treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (high level of parathyroid hormone due to overactivity of the parathyroid glands) in individuals with severe kidney disease who are undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps to filter toxic substances from the blood).
Paricalcitol injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) through a tube (bloodline) that connects you to the haemodialysis machine.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Paricalcitol.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypercalcaemia (high calcium level in the blood)
- high level of vitamin D in your body
as Paricalcitol may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine blood tests (e.g. blood calcium, phosphorus, or parathyroid hormone levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of high levels of vitamin D and calcium in the blood may also be needed.
Paricalcitol may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, common cold, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort, dry mouth, altered taste, and skin rash or itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of high levels of calcium in the blood e.g. unusual weakness or tiredness, feeling confused, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, frequent urination, muscle or bone pain
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, fits or seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- medicines used to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
- medicines that neutralise stomach acids e.g. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- other medicines or supplements containing calcium, phosphate or vitamin D
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Paricalcitol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Your doctor may advise you to limit the amount of phosphorus in your diet. It may be helpful to discuss with your doctor or dietitian about the diet plan that would best suit you.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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