Hectorol Injection (Doxercalciferol Injection) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Hectorol Injection

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The Burden of Kidney Failure

Each year in the United States, more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with kidney failure, a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to rid the body of wastes. Kidney failure is the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for nearly 44 percent of new cases. Even when diabetes is controlled, the disease can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Most people with diabetes do not develop chronic kidney disease that is severe enough to progress to kidney failure. Nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, and nearly 180,000 people are living with kidney failure as a result of diabetes.

People with kidney failure undergo either dialysis, an artificial blood-cleaning process, or transplantation to receive a healthy kidney from a donor. Most U.S. citizens who develop kidney failure are eligible for federally fun...

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Hectorol Injection

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Hectorol Injection Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Hectorol

Generic Name: doxercalciferol (Pronunciation: dock sir kal SIH fer all)

What is doxercalciferol (Hectorol Injection)?

Doxercalciferol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Doxercalciferol is used to reduce elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis.

Doxercalciferol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

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 appetite;
dry mouth;
constipation;
weakness;
headache;
dizziness;
a metallic taste;
muscle or bone pain;
increased thirst or urination;
shortness of breath; or
itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about doxercalciferol (Hectorol Injection)?

Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, a metallic taste in the mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, or decreased appetite. These can be early signs of too much calcium in the body.

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium while taking doxercalciferol, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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