Rocaltrol (Calcitriol)

The effectiveness of ROCALTROL therapy is based on the assumption that each patient is receiving an adequate daily intake of calcium.

To ensure that you receive an adequate daily intake of calcium, your doctor may either prescribe a calcium supplement or instruct appropriate dietary measures. Your doctor may monitor your blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to maintain good hydration, important during ROCALTROL treatment.

Usual adult dose:

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and adjust the dose slowly to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Overdose:

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip taking the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. No extra medicine should be taken to make up the missed dose.

The most common side effect of ROCALTROL is hypercalcemia—high calcium levels in the blood (see Serious Side Effects Table below for symptoms). Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, itching and sleeplessness.

Other side effects include agitation, sleeplessness, lack of feeling, weakness, constipation, upper abdominal pain, redness or itching of the skin, excessive thirst, fever and joint pain. If these side effects become bothersome or persist, contact your doctor.

BEFORE you use ROCALTROL talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you are allergic to vitamin D or other forms of vitamin D products or to any ingredient of ROCALTROL.
• you have a history of kidney disease.
• you are undergoing dialysis.
• you have a history of heart disease.
• you are using cardiac glycosides (e.g. digitalis).
• you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.
• you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. ROCALTROL may be released in human breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.
• you are taking any other drugs including non-prescription drugs, other vitamin D products, or other forms of vitamin D or any other vitamins or supplements.

Drugs that may interact with ROCALTROL include: digitalis, bile acid sequestrants (including cholestyramine and sevelamer) and mineral oil, anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital), calcium supplements, corticosteroids, ketoconazole, magnesium-containing drugs (e.g. some antacids), thiazides.