How does it work?

Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and colecalciferol (vitamin D3) are converted in the body into calcitriol. Calcitriol is a vitamin D metabolite which is normally produced in the kidneys from its immediate precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. In the normal situation, together with parathyroid hormone, it controls the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and plays an important part in the regulation of bone mineralisation. Vitamin D is normally part of the diet and it is also produced in the body, and this supply is normally sufficient. Insufficient vitamin D leads to reduced intestinal absorption of calcium, and may give rise to osteoporosis or osteomalacia. This medicine corrects vitamin D deficiency, thereby improving calcium absorption.

What is it used for?

Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia)

Low parathyroid function (hypoparathyroidism)

The correction of abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism in renal osteodystrophy.

Vitamin D deficiency

Warning!

Blood calcium levels and kidney function must be monitored whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Children

Decreased kidney function

Monitor blood calcium levels

Not to be used in

Decreased kidney function

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)

Spread of the cancer from its site of origin to bone (bone metastases). This increases the risk of hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels) occurring.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided in the first and second trimesters and used with caution in the third. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended that women should not breastfeed whilst taking this medicine.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Thirst

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Weight loss

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

High blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia)

High blood phosphate content (hyperphosphateaemia)

Loss of appetite

Increased production of urine (polyuria)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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