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Rayaldee Side Effects

Generic name: calcifediol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 23, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Rayaldee Side Effects associated with calcifediol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Rayaldee.

Applies to calcifediol: oral capsule extended release.

Serious side effects of Rayaldee

Along with its needed effects, calcifediol (the active ingredient contained in Rayaldee) 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 calcifediol:

Less common side effects

  • abdominal or stomach pain
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • cough
  • cough producing mucus
  • increased urine output
  • difficulty with breathing
  • difficulty with moving
  • dilated neck veins
  • extreme fatigue
  • fever or chills
  • irregular breathing
  • irregular heartbeat
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • nervousness
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
  • pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
  • pale skin
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • tightness in the chest
  • troubled breathing with exertion
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weakness or heaviness of the legs
  • weight gain

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking calcifediol:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Rayaldee

Some side effects of calcifediol 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:

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to calcifediol: oral capsule, oral capsule extended release.

Metabolic adverse events

Metabolic side effects have included hypercalcemia, and increased phosphate absorption.[Ref]

Early signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, constipation, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, muscle and bone pain, ataxia, tinnitus, and vertigo. Later hypercalcemia may result in pruritus, mental confusion, coma, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, metastatic calcification, and renal insufficiency manifested by polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, and proteinuria. Patients with renal failure are more prone to the development of hypercalcemia because the urinary excretion of calcium cannot compensate for increases in serum calcium.

Increased phosphate absorption may be detrimental in patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia.

Because of the long half-life of calcifediol, reversal of toxic symptoms may take 7 to 30 days.[Ref]

References

1. Miller SM (1983) "New perspectives on vitamin D." Am J Med Technol, 49, p. 27-37

2. Araugo OE, Flowers FP, Brown K (1991) "Vitamin D therapy in psoriasis." DICP, 25, p. 835-9

3. (1982) "Calcifediol for renal osteodystrophy." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 24, p. 92-3

4. (2001) "Product Information. Calderol (calcifediol)." Organon

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Rayaldee side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer