Calcijex

Generic name: Calcitriol Injection Solution
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Calcijex?

Calcijex is used to control low blood calcium levels in certain patients. It is used to treat high parathyroid hormone levels in certain patients. Calcijex may be given to you for other reasons.

Description

Proper name: calcitriol
Chemical name: (5Z,7E)-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-triene-1α,3β,25-triol
Molecular formula and molecular mass: C₂₇H₄₄O₃ 416.64

Structural formula:

Physicochemical properties: Calcitriol is a white crystalline powder, slightly soluble in methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and relatively insoluble in water. The melting point is 111to 115°C.

Before taking Calcijex, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Calcijex; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: High calcium levels or too much vitamin D in the body.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Calcijex.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Calcijex with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Calcijex?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Calcijex. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Talk with your doctor about whether you may need to take calcium while taking Calcijex.
Too much vitamin D in the body may cause problems. Do not take more of Calcijex than what your doctor told you to take. Be sure you know the signs of too much vitamin D in the body. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
If you are taking other sources of vitamin D, talk with your doctor.
If you are also taking a product that has magnesium in it, talk with your doctor. This includes some types of antacids.
Talk with your doctor to see if you need to drink extra fluids while you take Calcijex.
Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Calcijex while you are pregnant.

How is Calcijex best taken?

Use Calcijex as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of Calcijex that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high calcium levels like weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, upset stomach and throwing up, constipation, or bone pain.

What are some other side effects of Calcijex?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Calcijex?

If you need to store Calcijex at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

SRC: NLM .

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