Calcijex

How does it work?

Calcitriol (1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) is a vitamin D metabolite which is normally produced in the kidneys from its immediate precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. In the normal situation it controls the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and plays an important part in the regulation of bone mineralisation. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys produce insufficient calcitriol and this leads to abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Oral administration of calcitriol to patients with chronic renal failure compensates for the reduced production of calcitriol. Consequently, intestinal malabsorption of calcium and phosphate and the resulting hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium levels) are improved, thereby reversing the signs and symptoms of bone disease.

What is it used for?

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

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

Warning!

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

All other vitamin D compounds and their derivatives, including proprietary preparations or foodstuffs, which may be "fortified" with vitamin D, should be withheld during treatment with calcitriol.

Use with caution in

Children

Decreased kidney function

Monitor blood calcium levels

Not to be used in

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Vitamin D toxicity

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.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.

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

Abdominal pain

Thirst

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Sweating

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

Weakness

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

High blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia)

High blood phosphate content (hyperphosphateaemia)

Loss of appetite

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Paralysis or inactivity of the intestine that stops the movement of material through the gut (paralytic ileus)

Dehydration

Increased production of urine (polyuria)

Indifference/apathy

High calcium levels in the urine

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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