Hectorol for chronic kidney dialysis.

Hectorol is used to lower high parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in patients undergoing chronic kidney dialysis.

Who should not be treated with Hectorol?

• People with a high level of calcium in the blood.
• People with signs of extremely high levels of vitamin D.

Warnings for People taking Hectorol:

• Periodic monitoring of your condition by your doctor is important while being treated with Hectorol.
• Because Hectorol affects the absorption of calcium be the body, it is important for you and your doctor to be aware of the early symptoms of too much calcium in your blood, including weakness, headache, excessive sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain and metal taste in your mouth. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Later symptoms include frequent need to urinate, loss of appetite, weight loss, pink eye, sensitivity to sunlight, nasal discharge, skin itching, and fever.

General Precautions to take when on Hectorol:

• Do not take Hectorol with magnesium containing antacids, because these may cause too much magnesium to build up in your body.
• Do not take Hectorol with mineral oil or cholesterol-lowering drugs containing cholestyramine, because these may reduce the amount of Hectorol absorbed by your body.

There are some things that you should tell your doctor when taking this medication:

Certain types of medications can interact with Hectorol, tell your doctor what medications you are taking, including those that you take without a prescription.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if you are currently breast feeding.

What side effects can you expect when taking Hectorol? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Hectorol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

Side effects of Hectorol are, in general, similar to those of high blood calcium associated with too much vitamin D intake. Some side effects are:

• Swelling
• Headache
• Generally not feeling well
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Weight gain

For more detailed information about Hectorol, ask your doctor.