Alfacalcidol

About Alfacalcidol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as vitamins.

Alfacalcidol is a form of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, and a healthy immune system.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It controls the absorption of calcium from the gut and is used to make bones. The body can make vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Deficiency is caused by inadequate exposure to sunlight and low consumption of foods containing Vitamin D. The best natural sources are found in oily fish (sardine, herring, salmon and tuna), liver, dairy products and egg yolks.

Long-term Vitamin D deficiency may cause low blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which results in the softening of the bones. In children this can cause abnormal bone development (rickets) and in adults it can cause osteoporosis, backache, muscle weakness, bone pain and fractures.

Alfacalcidol is used to treat Vitamin D deficiency and conditions where there is not enough calcium in the blood especially in patients who have kidney problems.

Alfacalcidol is also sometimes known as hydroxycholecalciferol. You may notice the use of either spelling on your container.

Alfacalcidol is available in capsule, oral drops and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: One-Alpha. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Alfacalcidol

Before taking Alfacalcidol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are allergic to peanuts - some capsules contain arachis (peanut) oil
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Alfacalcidol

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Alfacalcidol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once . Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Alfacalcidol.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You will need to have blood tests while taking this medicine.

Can Alfacalcidol cause problems?

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, you experience any worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

IMPORTANT: if you experience the following symptoms while you are taking this medicine make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible: Loss of appetite, weakness, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, weight loss, a need to urinate more often, sweating, headache, thirstiness or dizziness.

How to store Alfacalcidol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 26/01/2004