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 Rocaltrol Product: Rocaltrol
Drug name: Calcitriol
Packaging
Type: Packets of 100 x 0.25mg Tablets
Manufacturer:
Roche
Why is this medication prescribed?
Rocaltrol is used to help men and women
who are at risk of osteoporosis, a condition which results in bones that break easily.
Rocaltrol works by increasing the body's
ability to absorb Vitamin D and helping the distribution of calcium
around the body.
Rocaltrol is aslo used to prevent low
levels of calcium in the blood of patients whose kidneys or parathyroid
glands are not working normally.
How should this medicine be used?
Rocaltrol usually is taken once a day,
with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor to explain any part you do not understand.
Take calcitriol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less than prescribed by your doctor.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from Rocaltrol are uncommon, but may occur. Tell your doctor if any of these side effects are severe or do not go away:
- fatty stools
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- dry mouth
- constipation
- muscle pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- bone pain
- metal taste
- weakness
- headache
- changes in mental awareness
- increased thirst
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- vision problems
- sluggishness
- chills
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking calcitriol,
- If you have had a history of kidney, liver, heart, or blood disease
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to calcitriol.
- tell your doctor what
medications you are
taking, especially:antacids particularly if they contain magnesium, calcium supplements,
cholestyramine (Questran), olestipol (Colestid), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'),
or vitamins supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking calcitriol, call your
doctor immediately.
- You must not breastfeed while you are taking calcitriol.
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