Hectorol (Doxercalciferol Liquid Filled Capsule) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Hectorol

Hyperparathyroidism »

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands, also called parathyroids. "Primary" means this disorder originates in the parathyroids: One or more enlarged, overactive parathyroid glands secretes too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). In secondary hyperparathyroidism, a problem such as kidney failure causes the parathyroids to be overactive. This publication focuses on primary hyperparathyroidism.

What are the parathyroid glands?

The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands located on the thyroid gland in the neck. Occasionally, a person is born with one or more of the parathyroid glands embedded in the thyroid, in the thymus, or located elsewhere around this area. In most such cases, however, the glands function normally.

Though their names are similar, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are entirely different glands, each producing distinct hormones with specific functions. The p...

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Hectorol

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HECTOROL®
(doxercalciferol) Capsules

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Doxercalciferol, the active ingredient in Hectorol® (doxercalciferol liquid filled capsule) , is a synthetic vitamin D₂ analog that undergoes metabolic activation in vivo to form lα,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ (lα,25-(OH)₂D₂), a naturally occurring, biologically active form of vitamin D₂. Hectorol (doxercalciferol liquid filled capsule) is available as soft gelatin capsules containing 0.5 mcg, 1 mcg or 2.5 mcg doxercalciferol. Each capsule also contains fractionated triglyceride of coconut oil, ethanol, and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The capsule shells contain gelatin, glycerin and titanium dioxide. In addition, the 0.5 mcg capsule shells contain yellow iron oxide and FD&C Red No. 40, the 1 mcg capsule shells contain FD&C Yellow No. 6, and the 2.5 mcg capsule shells contain yellow iron oxide.

Doxercalciferol is a colorless crystalline compound with a calculated molecular weight of 412.66 and a molecular formula of C₂₈H₄₄O₂. It is soluble in oils and organic solvents, but is relatively insoluble in water. Chemically, doxercalciferol is (lα,3β,5Z,7E,22E)-9,10-secoergosta-5,7,10(19),22-tetraene-l,3-diol. The structural formula is presented in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1: Chemical Structure of Doxercalciferol

KLONOPIN®
(doxercalciferol) Structural Formula Illustration

Other names frequently used for doxercalciferol are la-hydroxyvitamin D₂, lα-OH-D₂, and la-hydroxyergocalciferol.

What are the possible side effects of doxercalciferol (Hectorol)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking doxercalciferol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
an irregular heartbeat;
increased nighttime urination; or
abdominal pain.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

nausea, vomiting, or decreased...

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What are the precautions when taking doxercalciferol liquid filled capsule (Hectorol)?

Before taking doxercalciferol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), liver disease, high calcium blood levels (hypercalcemia), high phosphate blood levels (hyperphosphatemia), seizure.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/12/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.