6 mins read

Rayaldee is a form of vitamin D used to treat hyperparathyroidism (a condition with high parathyroid hormone blood levels) in people with chronic kidney disease. Common side effects include low levels of red blood cells (anemia), constipation, shortness of breath, or coughing. Your health care provider will likely check blood levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D before starting this medicine and while you are taking it. Make sure to keep all appointments, including those for lab work.

Uses

What is Rayaldee used for?

Rayaldee (calcifediol) is commonly used to treat high levels of parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism) in people with chronic kidney disease.

Rayaldee may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Rayaldee work (mechanism of action)?

People with chronic kidney disease may not make enough active vitamin D. Active vitamin D helps you absorb calcium from foods and drinks. Without enough active vitamin D, your calcium levels can get too low. Low calcium levels can cause parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels to get too high, which can weaken bones over time. Rayaldee is a form of vitamin D. It gives the body more of the kind of vitamin D it can turn into the active form. This helps the body absorb more calcium, lower PTH levels, and prevent bone problems.

How is Rayaldee supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Rayaldee

Dosage forms and strengths 

  • 30 mcg extended-release oral capsules

How should I store Rayaldee?

Rayaldee should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rayaldee?

The most common side effects of Rayaldee are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Anemia (low red blood cell levels)
  • Infection in the nose or throat, a sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Increased creatinine in your blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Heart failure
  • Constipation

There may be other side effects of Rayaldee that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rayaldee?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rayaldee are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rayaldee may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Rayaldee and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • A fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, a skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). Rayaldee can cause high calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can lead to serious problems with your kidneys, heart, or bones. Stop taking Rayaldee and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Peeing frequently
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion or dizziness
  • Poor appetite or weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Bone pain
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Bone Problems. Rayaldee may cause bone problems and increase your risk of bone fractures. Keep any appointments, including those for lab work or other tests, while you are taking Rayaldee. Tell your health care provider if you break a bone.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rayaldee?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Rayaldee.

  • Rayaldee
  • Calcifediol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rayaldee.

What should I know about Rayaldee before using it?

Do not take Rayaldee unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Rayaldee with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Rayaldee out of the reach of children.

Follow your health care provider's instructions regarding diet.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Rayaldee. It should be swallowed whole at bedtime. Talk to your health care provider if you have trouble swallowing tablets.

Your health care provider will likely check blood levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D before starting this medicine and while you are taking it. Make sure to keep all appointments, including those for lab work.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Rayaldee?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Rayaldee is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart failure
  • Broken bones or bone problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rayaldee may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Rayaldee, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Rayaldee could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rayaldee passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Rayaldee while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while taking Rayaldee, talk to your health care provider about symptoms of high calcium levels to watch for in your baby.

How can I get more information about Rayaldee?

For more information about Rayaldee, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.rayaldee.com or call them at 844-414-6756.

Interactions

Does Rayaldee interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rayaldee and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rayaldee.

Does Rayaldee interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Rayaldee.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A thiazide diuretic, also called a water pill, such as hydrochlorothiazide, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Cholestyramine, which is a medicine used to lower cholesterol
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • A protease inhibitor, such as ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Nefazodone, which is a medicine used to treat depression
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • A vitamin, supplement, or product containing calcium or vitamin D

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Rayaldee. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Rayaldee. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rayaldee?

If you or someone else has used too much Rayaldee, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rayaldee?

If you miss a dose of Rayaldee, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take double or extra doses.