Hectorol Side Effects

Generic name: doxercalciferol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about doxercalciferol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Hectorol.

Applies to doxercalciferol: oral capsule liquid filled. Other dosage forms:

intravenous solution

Serious side effects of Hectorol

Along with its needed effects, doxercalciferol (the active ingredient contained in Hectorol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking doxercalciferol:

More common

Arm, back, or jaw pain
black, tarry stools
bladder pain
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
confusion
cough or hoarseness
decreased urination
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever or chills
frequent urge to urinate
increase in heart rate
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
lower back or side pain
nausea
painful, burning, or difficult urination
pale skin
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
sunken eyes
sweating
swollen glands
thirst
trouble breathing
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Blurred vision
constipation
cough
depression
difficulty swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
dry mouth
heart stops
hives, itching, skin rash
incoherent speech
increased urination
large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
low bone turnover
metallic taste
muscle weakness
no breathing
no pulse or blood pressure
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
stomach pain
thirst
unconscious
vomiting
weight loss

Other side effects of Hectorol

Some side effects of doxercalciferol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach
belching
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
difficulty in moving
excessive muscle tone
heartburn
indigestion
muscle pain, stiffness, tension, or tightness
pain in the joints
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
stomach discomfort or upset
stuffy or runny nose
swelling
trouble sleeping
weight loss

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to doxercalciferol: intravenous solution, oral capsule.

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Edema (34.4%)

Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, weight increase, dehydration

Frequency not reported: Hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria^[Ref]

Early signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia have included weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, metallic taste, and anorexia.

Prolonged hypercalcemia may result in polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia conjunctivitis (calcific), pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), ectopic calcification, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, sensory disturbances, dehydration, apathy, arrested growth, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, overt psychosis.

Hyperphosphatemia may exacerbate hyperparathyroidism.

Hypercalciuria may accelerate the onset of renal failure.^[Ref]

Endocrine

Frequency not reported: Oversuppression of parathyroid hormone^[Ref]

Oversuppression of iPTH may result in adynamic bone syndrome.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, chest pain^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea/vomiting (21.3%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, constipation^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (27.9%), dizziness (11.5%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertonia, paresthesia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (11.5%)

Common (1% to 10%): Cough increased, rhinitis^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Malaise (27.9%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abscess^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Sleep disorder, depression

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia^[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Infection

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (including fatal outcome)

Hypersensitivity reactions include anaphylaxis with symptoms of angioedema (involving face, lips, tongue, and airway), hypotension, unresponsiveness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cardiopulmonary arrest, pruritus, and skin burning sensation. These reactions may occur separately or together.