Paricalcitol: how to take it safely
Zemplar
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Lowers high parathyroid hormone in people with kidney disease.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow capsules with water, or it is given by injection into the dialysis line.
When to take it
Take it once a day, or 3 times a week, or with each dialysis session, as your doctor says.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements unless your doctor says so.
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium.
- Taking more than prescribed.
Possible side effects
Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, headache.
Get help if
Signs of high calcium (thirst, constipation, confusion, muscle weakness, passing a lot of urine), or palpitations: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.