Hectorol Side Effects
Generic name: doxercalciferol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 15, 2024.
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: intravenous solution. Other dosage forms:
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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking doxercalciferol:
Incidence not known
- Blurred vision
- bone pain
- chest tightness
- confusion
- constipation
- cough
- difficulty swallowing
- depression
- dizziness
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- dry mouth
- fast heartbeat
- 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
- metallic taste
- muscle weakness
- nausea
- no breathing
- no pulse or blood pressure
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the face, lips, of tongue
- stomach pain
- sweating
- thirst
- trouble breathing
- unconscious
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- 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:
Incidence not known
- Chest discomfort
- pain, itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- sensation of skin burning
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.
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Anemia[Ref]
More about Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
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- Drug class: vitamins
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Patient resources
- Hectorol oral/injection drug information
- Hectorol (Doxercalciferol Intravenous) (Advanced Reading)
- Hectorol (Doxercalciferol Oral) (Advanced Reading)
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Hectorol (doxercalciferol)." Genzyme Corporation
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.