Use and Important Safety Information
Use1
ZEMPLAR? (paricalcitol) Capsules are an active form of vitamin D used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased parathyroid hormone levels) in patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and in patients with Stage 5 kidney failure on dialysis.
* To help lower your chance of getting symptoms of high calcium in your blood, your doctor should make sure the level of calcium in your blood is 9.5 mg/dL or lower before starting you on ZEMPLAR Capsules if you have Stage 5 kidney failure and are on dialysis.
Important Safety Information1
You should not take ZEMPLAR if you have symptoms of high vitamin D or calcium or if you are allergic to any product ingredient. Taking too much vitamin D or taking it for a long time can cause very high vitamin D or calcium levels which may cause serious health problems and the need for emergency medical care. Early signs of high vitamin D or calcium include: weakness, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle or bone pain, and metallic taste. Tell your doctor if you are having any of these early signs.
Do not take any medications or vitamin/mineral supplements before talking with your doctor.
You should have blood tests while you are on ZEMPLAR. Your doctor may order the tests more often when you begin ZEMPLAR or if your dose is changed. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on the results of your blood tests.
It is important that you follow your ZEMPLAR medication plan exactly as your doctor has ordered and follow any instructions you were given about your diet and phosphorus restrictions.
Possible side effects of ZEMPLAR are almost the same as taking too much vitamin D. Allergic reaction, rash, arthritis, and dizziness were common side effects in Stage 3 & 4 patients taking ZEMPLAR Capsules and weakness, infection of the lining of the belly, constipation, nausea, vomiting, excessive amount of blood in the body, dizziness and difficulty sleeping for the ZEMPLAR Capsules Stage 5 treated patients.
