Details for: TARO-CALCITRIOL
Company: TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
| DIN | DIN name | Active Ingredient(s) | Strength | Dosage Form | Route of Administration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02485710 | TARO-CALCITRIOL | CALCITRIOL | 0.25 MCG | CAPSULE | ORAL |
| 02485729 | TARO-CALCITRIOL | CALCITRIOL | 0.5 MCG | CAPSULE | ORAL |
Consumer Information
This information was provided by the drug’s manufacturer when this drug product was approved for sale in Canada. It is designed for consumers and care givers. It is a summary of information about the drug and will not tell you everything about the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drug.
What the medication is used for
Taro-Calcitriol is indicated in the management of
- Calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) and bone disease in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis
- Calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) in patients with hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands).
- Rickets (type of bone disease).
What it does
Taro-Calcitriol helps patients with kidney or bone disease (e.g. rickets) who cannot make enough of the active form of vitamin D in the body to meet their needs. Taro-Calcitriol supplies this form of vitamin D which the body can use to meet requirements.
When it should not be used
- If you are allergic to the medicinal ingredient calcitrol, vitamin D, other vitamin D products or other forms of vitamin D or to any of the nonmedicinal ingredients in this formulation (see What the non-medicinal ingredients are).
- If you have hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
What the medicinal ingredient is
Calcitriol
What the non-medicinal ingredients are
Butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, medium-chain triglycerides, gelatin, liquid sorbitol, glycerol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, ferric oxide (red), ferric oxide (yellow) in 0.25 mcg strength only, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate, shellac glaze, iron oxide black, propylene glycol and ammonium hydroxide.
What dosage form it comes in
Capsules 0.25 mcg: Peach colored, oval, soft gelatin capsule
imprinted with '967' in black ink, containing clear, colorless to
slightly yellowish oily liquid.
Capsules 0.50 mcg: Brown colored, oval, soft gelatin capsule
imprinted with '968' in black ink, containing clear, colorless to
slightly yellowish oily liquid.
Warnings and precautions
BEFORE you use Taro-Calcitriol 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 Taro-Calcitriol.
- you have a history of kidney disease.
- you are undergoing dialysis.
- you have a history of heart disease.
- you are using cardic glycosides (e.g.digitalis).
- you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.
- you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Taro-Calcitriol may be released in human breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.
- you are taking any other drugs including nonprescription drugs, other vitamin D products, or other forms of vitamin D or any other vitamins or supplements.
Interactions with this medication
Drugs that may interact with Taro-Calcitriol include: digitalis, bile acid sequestrants (including cholestyramine and sevelamer) and mineral oil, anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital), calcium supplements, corticosteroids, ketoconazole, magnesiumcontaining drugs (e.g. some antacids), thiazides.
Proper use of this medication
The effectiveness of Taro-Calcitriol 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 Taro-Calcitriol treatment.
Usual 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
Missed Dose
Take you 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.
Side effects and what to do about them
The most common side effect of Taro-Calcitriol 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.
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist only if severe | Talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist in all cases | Stop taking drug and talk with your doctor or pharmacist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Common | |||
| Higher blood
calcium levels than
normal. Possible symptoms: Early symptoms: weakness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, excessive thirst, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, metallic taste, abdominal pain or stomach ache. Late symptoms: frequent urination (including needing to urinate at night), excessive thirst, urinary tract infections, anorexia, weight loss, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the pancreas, sensitivity to light, runny nose, itching, feeling feverish, decreased sex drive, too much protein in the urine, high cholesterol, elevated liver function tests, excessive calcium in tissues, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and rarely, loss of contact with reality. |
✔ | ||
| Common | |||
| Headache Abdominal pain - Rash Urinary tract infection | ✔ | ||
| Uncommon | |||
| Decreased appetite Vomiting | ✔ | ||
| Not Known | |||
| Allergic reactions - Possible symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. | ✔ | ||
| Difficulty in understanding Growth retardation Excessive urination Calcium deposits on the skin Weight loss | ✔ | ||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking, Taro-Calcitriol contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store
Capsules should be stored a 15-25 C. Store in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep blister in the outer carton. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following three ways:
- Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
- Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
- Mail to:
Canada Vigilance Program
Health Canada
Postal Locator 0701E
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffectTM Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
More information
If you want more information about Taro-Calcitriol:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Consumer Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html); the manufacturer’s website www.taro.ca, or by calling 1- 800-268-1975.
Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.
130 East Drive
Brampton, Ontario L6T 1C1
TARO is a registered trademark of Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Date Prepared: February 11, 2019