Zemplar Capsules (Paricalcitol) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zemplar Capsules

Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

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Zemplar Capsules Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paricalcitol (Zemplar Capsules)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:

high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D).

Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor if you have:

high blood pressure;
liver disease; or
an electrolyte imbalance.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your paricalcitol dose needs may change if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take paricalcitol (Zemplar Capsules)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Paricalcitol is sometimes taken daily, and sometimes taken every other day. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

You may take this medication with or without food.

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.

Paricalcitol 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.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

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