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Hectorol Injection Prescribing Information Healthcare Professionals For U.S. Residents Only

Role of Vitamin D

  • What is vitamin D?

    Vitamin D is a hormone that is important for strong bones.1 You get vitamin D from some of the foods you eat, from sunlight being absorbed into your skin, and by taking vitamin supplements.1

    Vitamin D has to be made "active" by passing through the liver and kidneys.1 At this point, it is turned into the hormone that helps balance minerals (such as calcium and phosphorus) within your body and keeps your bones strong.2

How is active vitamin D formed?

1Person without CKD

Inactive vitamin D comes from dietary sources and from the exposure of skin to sunlight. It is activated by the liver and kidneys to form active vitamin D.1

Skin exposed to sunlight helps create Vitamin D. + The liver helps convert sunlight into Vitamin D. + Kidneys help convert sunlight into active Vitamin D. = Active
Vitamin D


2Person with CKD

Inactive vitamin D provided by Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is activated by the liver, without the need for activation by the kidneys, to form active vitamin D.1

Hectorol® (doxercalciferol) injection logo + The liver helps convert sunlight into Vitamin D. + Hectorol® (doxercalciferol) injection doesn’t need the kidneys to produce active Vitamin D. = Active
Vitamin D

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Contact Hectorol® for more informationSanofi US Contact Hectorol® for more information Toll Free: 800-981-2491

Indication

Hectorol Injection is indicated for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

Important Safety Information

  • 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.
  • Do not take Hectorol injection if you are allergic to doxercalciferol or any of the ingredients in Hectorol injection.
  • Overdosage of any form of vitamin D is dangerous and may require emergency attention.
  • 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, supplements and herbal preparations and to adhere to instructions about following a low phosphorus diet and calcium supplementation.
  • Your doctor should monitor your calcium, phosphorus and PTH levels.
  • Serious allergic reactions (including fatal outcome) have been reported in patients on hemodialysis after Hectorol injection. Hectorol Injection can cause allergic reactions including life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) with symptoms of swelling of the face, lips, tongue and airways, low blood pressure, unresponsiveness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and cardiac arrest. Before taking Hectorol injection, it is importantto tell your doctor if you had any allergic reactions to Hectorol injection in the past.
  • Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypercalcemia such as weakness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain,metallic taste and loss of appetite.
  • The main side effects of treatment with Hectorol injection are hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and over suppression of PTH. Your doctor may ask you questions to see if you are experiencing any symptoms related to these conditions.
  • During treatment, your doctor may change your dose of Hectorol as well as the dose ofyour phosphate binder.
  • Common side effects seen in Hectorol-treated patients on dialysis were swelling,headache, ill feeling, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, itching and slowheartbeat.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
  • This drug should be used with caution if you have impaired liver function.

Please click here for Hectorol Injection Full Prescribing Information.

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The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.
References:
  1. Welcome to Hectorol: US.DOX.13.12.001
  2. Hectorol PI Injection/p 1/col 1/para 3,4

Contact Us

Contact Hectorol® for more informationSanofi US Contact Hectorol® for more informationToll free: 800-981-2491

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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. VIEW MORE

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