Calcijex Injection (Calcitrol) Drug Overview of Drug Interactions and Missed Dose for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Calcijex

Osteoporosis »

Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

Read the Osteoporosis article »

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Calcijex Injection

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Calcijex Injection Consumer (continued)

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitalis), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), magnesium-containing medications (e.g., antacids, milk of magnesia), phosphate binders, "water pills" (e.g., thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), vitamins/nutritional supplements (especially calcium and vitamin D), other vitamin D products (e.g., ergocalciferol).

Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins) because they may contain calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and vitamin D. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

OVERDOSE: Overdose of any type of vitamin D is dangerous. If overdose is suspected, contact your poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, unusually deep sleep.

NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, parathyroid levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to closely follow your doctor's diet orders while taking this medication. Foods rich in vitamin D include: fortified dairy products, eggs, sardines, cod liver oil, chicken livers, and freshwater fish. Vitamin D is also obtained from short periods of exposure to the sun. Calcium supplements may be recommended in addition to this medication. The usual recommendation for calcium is 600-1200 milligrams per day. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not take supplements unless directed by your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE: Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.