Sign inBefore 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 have kidney stones.
- If you have been told you have hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in your blood) or calcification (high levels of calcium in your body tissues).
- 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 sesame oil, to this or any other medicine.
How to take alfacalcidol
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take alfacalcidol exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you what dose to take.
- Try to take alfacalcidol 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.
- Do not shake the bottle before measuring out a dose.
- Remove the bottle cap which will reveal a dropper. This is ready to use.
- Hold the bottle upside down so that a drop forms at the end of the dropper.
- You can allow the drop to fall directly into the mouth or catch it on a spoon, whichever is easier.
- Your doctor will have told you how many drops to take - count these out carefully to make sure you take the correct dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine so that your doctor can make sure the dose is right for you.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine.
Can alfacalcidol cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Possible side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Skin rash and itchiness | If the rash is severe, speak with your doctor straight away; otherwise, just use a moisturiser to help soothe the skin |
| Important: if you experience weakness, a loss of appetite, feel sick, constipation, bone or muscle pain, thirstiness, sweating, a dry mouth, metallic taste, or need to pass water more often, these may be signs that you are taking too much alfacalcidol | Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible to have your blood levels of calcium and phosphate checked |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store alfacalcidol
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, One-Alpha® Capsules, Leo Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed October 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, One-Alpha® Drops, Leo Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed October 2009.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).