Calcitriol

About calcitriol

Calcitriol is normally produced in the kidneys and controls absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestine. In chronic renal failure the kidneys do not produce enough calcitriol which results in less calcium and phosphate being absorbed.
By taking a calcitriol supplement, you make up for the reduced production of calcitriol in the kidneys, therefore absorbing more calcium and phosphate.

Before taking calcitriol

Before taking calcitriol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you have high levels of calcium in your blood.
• If you suffer from metastatic calcification (the depositing of calcium salts in otherwise normal tissue, because of raised levels of calcium in the blood).
• If you experience feeling or being sick, weakness or confusion as these may be signs of vitamin D toxicity.
• If you are not mobile at the moment.

How to take calcitriol

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take calcitriol at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You will need to have blood tests to keep an eye on your levels of calcium and phosphate.
• Your doctor will want to keep an eye on your kidney function which will involve regular blood tests.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet containing plenty of calcium (obtained from dairy products, leafy green vegetables, oranges), but avoid eating large amounts of food containing vitamin D such as cereals, oily fish and eggs. If in any doubt, discuss your diet with your doctor or pharmacist.
• It is important to recognise signs of calcium toxicity such as increased thirst, indigestion, constipation, feeling or being sick.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can calcitriol cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Side effects with Calcitriol capsules are very rare- possible side effects with Calcitriol injection may include weakness, headaches, sleepiness, feeling or being sick, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain and metallic taste. Other side effects may be increased thirst, passing urine more frequently, sensitivity to light, runny nose or itching.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any unusual effects which you think may be related to Calcitriol.

How to store calcitriol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines