If you are suffering from kidney disease, you probably know from experience that the condition can affect other systems in the body. This can especially affect the health of our skeletal system. In such a case, your doctor may prescribe you an injection called `Paricalcitol`. So, since this name is a bit new to many people, today we will talk about this medicine, what it actually does, and what things to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Paricalcitol?
Simply put, Paricalcitol is a special form of vitamin D. But this is not like the vitamin D pill we usually take. Its main function is to control the function of the parathyroid glands in our body.
In people with kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, the parathyroid glands sometimes become overactive. We medically call this condition ``hyperparathyroidism.`` When the glands become overactive, they secrete an excess of the parathyroid hormone ``parathyroid hormone`` in the blood. When this hormone increases, it takes calcium from our bones and adds it to the blood. Over time, this can cause bones to become weak, brittle, and even break easily.
So, what the `Paricalcitol` injection does is reduce and control the levels of parathyroid hormone that are too high, and protect your skeletal system.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, be sure to inform him/her about the following things. Hiding these things will only harm you.
| Situation you need to report | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood levels | If your doctor has told you that your blood calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D levels are already high, tell them so. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell us if you have an allergy to this Paricalcitol medication, vitamin D, any other medication, food, preservative, or coloring. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | It is very important to inform your doctor if you are currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How do you use this medicine?
Paricalcitol is not a medicine that you can take home. It is an injection into a vein. Therefore, it is only given by trained medical staff in a hospital or clinic . This injection is usually given during dialysis treatment.
Important: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else or recommend it to anyone else.
What to do if you overdose?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of this medicine or if you experience any symptoms related to it, inform the staff immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, it is best to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications, foods, and supplements can interact with Paricalcitol. Therefore, it is important to give your doctor a complete list of all medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, herbal remedies, and Ayurvedic medicines).
| Type of medicine/food | Matter of concern |
|---|---|
| Burosumab, other medicines containing vitamin D | Taking these together can cause dangerously high levels of calcium and vitamin D in the body. |
| Some medications for HIV/AIDS, fungal infections, cholesterol, and seizures | These can affect the way Paricalcitol works, so your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to be tested more frequently. |
| Digoxin, diuretics (water pills), some antibiotics (such as clarithromycin) | Close monitoring by a doctor is necessary because reactions between these medications can occur. |
| Grapefruit juice | Avoid drinking jambola juice, as it can increase the levels of this drug in the body. |
| Some antacids and vitamins | Avoid taking these without medical advice. They may contain calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus. |
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
1. Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will check on you regularly to see how you are doing. You will also need to have regular blood tests (lab tests) to check your calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels . Don't skip these tests.
2. Special diet: You will be asked to follow a special diet while taking this medicine. You may be asked to limit foods that contain phosphorus (milk, cheese, nuts, beans, and drinks like cola). Follow your doctor's or nutritionist's instructions exactly.
3. Avoid taking supplements: Do not take any supplements or antacids containing vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium without your doctor's approval. Doing so can cause dangerously high levels of these in the body and cause serious side effects.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Paricalcitol can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild. The important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and take action quickly if necessary.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of elevated calcium levels | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual fatigue, and bone pain. |
| Symptoms of elevated phosphorus levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, bone or joint pain, numbness around the mouth. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach upset, loss of appetite. |
| Other features | Headache, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
Take-Home Message
- Paricalcitol is a special form of vitamin D injection that is given to control hyperparathyroidism in kidney patients.
- This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic.
- Before you start taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your allergies, other medications you are taking, and whether you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- It is essential to have blood tests done on time and follow the diet prescribed by the doctor.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms or symptoms of high calcium or phosphorus levels (such as excessive thirst, bone pain), notify your doctor immediately.
- Avoid taking any supplements containing calcium, vitamin D, or phosphorus without medical advice.
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