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Overview: Doxercalciferol 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 upset stomach, headache, and trouble sleeping. Make sure to keep all appointments, including those for lab work. Tell your health care provider right away if you get nausea, increased thirst, appetite loss, constipation, or confusion.

Uses

What is doxercalciferol used for?

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

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

How does doxercalciferol 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. Doxercalciferol 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 doxercalciferol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Hectorol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 mcg, 1 mcg, 2.5 mcg oral capsules

Doxercalciferol is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store doxercalciferol?

Oral Capsules. Doxercalciferol capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Injection Liquid. Doxercalciferol injection is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store doxercalciferol injection at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of doxercalciferol?

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

  • Infections, including kidney or bladder infections
  • Chest pain
  • Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach (or indigestion)
  • Low levels of blood cells, such as red blood cells (anemia) and white blood cells (leukopenia) 
  • Dehydration
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Depression
  • Increased muscle tone or stiff muscles
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Common cold symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache 
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of doxercalciferol 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 doxercalciferol?

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

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

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, 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). Doxercalciferol can cause high calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can lead to serious problems with your kidneys, heart, or bones. Stop using doxercalciferol and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

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

Bone Problems. Doxercalciferol 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 using doxercalciferol. Tell your health care provider if you break a bone.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use doxercalciferol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use doxercalciferol.

  • Doxercalciferol
  • Hectorol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific doxercalciferol products they stock.

High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). You should not use doxercalciferol if you have too much calcium in your body (hypercalcemia). See the Serious Side Effects section for more information.

Vitamin D Toxicity. You should not use doxercalciferol if you have too much vitamin D in your body. 

What should I know about doxercalciferol before using it?

Do not use doxercalciferol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

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

Keep doxercalciferol out of the reach of children.

Follow your health care provider's instructions regarding diet.

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 using it. Make sure to keep all appointments, including those for lab work.

Doxercalciferol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how doxercalciferol affects you.

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

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 doxercalciferol 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.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Doxercalciferol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using doxercalciferol, 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 doxercalciferol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

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

Interactions

Does doxercalciferol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between doxercalciferol and food or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect doxercalciferol.

Does doxercalciferol 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 using doxercalciferol.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat 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 used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • A vitamin, supplement, or product containing calcium or vitamin D
  • Orlistat (Alli, Xenical), which is a medicine for weight loss
  • Mineral oil, which is a medicine used to treat constipation
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine for fungal infections
  • Erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • An antacid, supplement, or laxative containing magnesium

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of doxercalciferol. 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 doxercalciferol. 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 doxercalciferol?

If you or someone else has used too much doxercalciferol, 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 doxercalciferol?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.