Patients and Families

Hectorol is a prescription vitamin D used to treat a condition called secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). It is very different from the vitamin D supplements sold in places such as health-food stores and supermarkets. You may receive Hectorol during dialysis as an injection or your doctor may prescribe Hectorol capsules.

Hectorol is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease. You should not take Hectorol if you have a history of abnormally high calcium blood levels (hypercalcemia) or if you have very high vitamin D levels. Overdosage of any form of vitamin D is dangerous. Before taking Hectorol, tell your doctor if you have ever had an irregular heartbeat or seizure, or if you are taking any digitalis drugs. Do not take other Vitamin D related drugs if you are currently taking Hectorol. It is important for anyone taking Hectorol to talk to their doctor before taking any non-prescription drugs or magnesium-containing antacids, and to adhere to instructions about following a low phosphorus diet and calcium supplementation. One of the main side effects of treatment with Hectorol is hypercalcemia. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypercalcemia, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and increased thirst. Common side effects seen in Hectorol treated patients not on dialysis (pre-dialysis) were infection, chest pain, constipation, indigestion, anemia, dehydration, depression, muscle tension, sleeplessness, tingling sensation, increased cough, shortness of breath and runny nose. Common side effects seen in Hectorol treated patients on dialysis were headache, ill feeling, slow heartbeat, nausea/vomiting, swelling, dizziness, shortness of breath, and itching. Hectorol is available by prescription only. See Hectorol Capsules Full Prescribing Information or Hectorol Injection Full Prescribing Information


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