Common Use

Rocaltrol is a form of vitamin D used to treat low calcium levels in the blood in patients undergoing chronic kidney dialysis. It works by promoting the proper absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphate in the body, supporting normal development and maintenance.

Dosage and Directions

Take Rocaltrol as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food.

Precautions

Inform your doctor about all medical conditions, especially if you:

• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have allergies to medicines or food
• Have heart disease, kidney disease, or kidney stones
• Have hardening of the arteries or other blood vessel problems
• Have a high phosphate level in the blood
• Are dehydrated or have recently had surgery
• Will be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time
• Take a phosphate-binding medicine

Contraindications

Do not use Rocaltrol if you have:

• An allergy to any of its components
• High vitamin D or calcium levels in the blood

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects of Rocaltrol are rare. Severe side effects may include:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• Bizarre behavior
• Bone pain
• Constipation
• Decreased sex drive
• Diarrhea
• Difficult or painful urination
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Eye redness or irritation
• Fever
• Flushing
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Increased body temperature
• Increased thirst
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Mental or mood changes
• Metallic taste
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual thinking
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Drug Interaction

Inform your doctor about all prescribed and non-prescribed medications you are taking, especially:

• Digoxin, as it can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat
• Antacids with magnesium, as they can increase blood magnesium levels
• Barbiturates (phenobarbital), cholestyramine, corticosteroids (prednisone), hydantoins (phenytoin), or ketoconazole, as they may decrease Rocaltrol's effectiveness

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Rocaltrol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Mental or mood changes
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Storage

Store Rocaltrol between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Keep it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information provides general details about medications and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Specific instructions for a patient must be agreed upon with a healthcare advisor or doctor. We disclaim reliability for this information and any errors it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other damages resulting from the use of this information or from self-treatment.