Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Paricalcitol to treat a complication of kidney disease? You may have questions about what kind of medicine it is, how to use it, and what special precautions you need to take. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this simply and clearly today.
Simply put, what is Paricalcitol?
Paricalcitol is a specially formulated medicine similar to vitamin D. Usually, when kidney disease is present for a long time, the parathyroid gland in our body becomes overactive. We call this condition ``hyperparathyroidism``. Due to this, the level of parathyroid hormone in the body increases, the bones become weak, and the calcium and phosphorus levels start to become unbalanced.
So, what Paricalcitol does is control the overactive parathyroid gland and bring the hormone levels back to normal. This helps keep your bones strong.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- High blood calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D levels: If your blood calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D levels are higher than normal.
- Allergies: If you have allergies to Paricalcitol, vitamin D, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.
Providing this information accurately to your doctor is very important for your safety as well as the success of your treatment.
How should I use the medicine exactly?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, in the prescribed dosage, and at the prescribed time.
- Swallow this with a glass of water.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is better to take it with food.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day.
- Never take more medication than your doctor tells you to.
- This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children (over 10 years of age), but it requires special precautions. Talk to your doctor about this.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Paricalcitol is a medication that can interact with some other medications. Therefore, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Paricalcitol | |
| Other types of vitamin D | Avoid taking any other vitamin D or vitamin D-containing supplements. |
| Burosumab | This is a medicine given for a specific medical condition. |
| Other drugs and foods that may interact with Paricalcitol | |
| Antifungal drugs | Ex: `(ketoconazole)`, `(itraconazole)` |
| Antibiotics | Eg: `(clarithromycin)`, `(telithromycin)` |
| Cholesterol-lowering drugs | Ex: `(cholestyramine)`, `(colestipol)` |
| Other drugs and substances | Medicines for HIV/AIDS, Digoxin, Diuretics, Epilepsy medicine, some vitamins and antacids. |
| Food | Avoid drinking grapefruit juice . |
Possible side effects while taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Paricalcitol can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. | Seek treatment immediately. |
| Increased blood calcium levels: excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, unusual weakness, bone pain. | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| High blood phosphorus levels: muscle twitching or pain, bone or joint pain, numbness around the mouth. | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| Increased blood pressure. | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting | Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. |
| Dizziness , loss of appetite, runny nose or stuffy nose. | Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. |
Other important things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular tests: While you are taking this medicine, you will need to have regular blood tests (lab tests) as prescribed by your doctor. These will monitor your body's calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels.
- Special diet: Your doctor may tell you to follow a special diet. They may tell you to limit foods high in phosphorus (e.g., milk, cheese, nuts, beans). Follow those instructions exactly.
- Other supplements: Do not take any over-the-counter supplements or antacids containing vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium without your doctor's advice.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Paricalcitol is an important medication that controls hormonal and mineral imbalances that occur with kidney disease.
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Be sure to attend the blood tests and clinics prescribed by your doctor.
- If you experience any symptoms of a serious side effect (excessive thirst, muscle twitching, allergic reaction), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss them with your doctor.
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