Brand Names: Rocaltrol

Generic Name: calcitriol (oral) (Pronunciation: kal si TRYE ol)

• What is calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• What are the possible side effects of calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• How should I take calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rocaltrol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rocaltrol)?
• What should I avoid while taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• What other drugs will affect calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

Calcitriol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Calcitriol is used to treat calcium deficiency with hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone disease in people with chronic kidney failure.

Calcitriol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcitriol 0.25 mcg-ROX

oval, yellow, imprinted with 547

Calcitriol 0.25 mcg-TEV

oval, orange/yellow, imprinted with 93 657

Calcitriol 0.5 mcg-TEV

orange/yellow, imprinted with 93 658

Rocatrol 0.25 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with ROCALTROL 0.25 ROCHE

What are the possible side effects of calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking calcitriol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• increased thirst,
• urinating more than usual;
• pain in your lower back;
• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• weakness, drowsiness, changes in behavior;
• bone pain, muscle weakness, loss of height;
• nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• slow growth (in a child taking calcitriol); or
• dry mouth or a metallic taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood.

Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor has told you to restrict your fluid intake.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. Becoming dehydrated while taking calcitriol can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different minerals and some types can cause serious side effects if you take them together with calcitriol.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Calcitriol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.