Rocaltrol
Generic Name: Calcitriol
Packets of 100 x 0.25 mcg Capsules
Manufactured by Roche
Use
Rocaltrol is a treatment for post-menopausal women who have osteoporosis. It is not licensed for the prevention of osteoporosis. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in our bodies. Rocaltrol is a vitamin D analogue. It works by increasing calcium absorption from the gut and decreasing calcium excretion, thereby producing a positive calcium balance. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults but less dramatic deficiencies contribute to osteoporosis.
How to take it
Rocaltrol is given orally in capsule form. The recommended dose for post-menopausal osteoporosis is 0.25 mcg twice daily. Blood calcium levels should be monitored at four weeks, then three months, then six months and every six months thereafter to ensure the correct dosage is given. There is no recommended duration of use, therefore, Rocaltrol may be taken for as long as your physician feels it is appropriate.
Side effects
Rocaltrol appears to have very few side effects but some patients have suffered signs of hypercalcaemia (raised blood calcium) including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness or drowsiness. It is more likely to occur in the early days or weeks of therapy and patients should cease therapy and consult their physician promptly. By stopping therapy and reducing dietary calcium intake, these effects can be reversed within seven days.
Precautions
Factors which can help to maintain healthy bones are a well balanced diet with adequate calcium rich foods, regular weight bearing exercise, avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol consumption within the recommended limits. Excessive dosage of Rocaltrol induces hypercalcemia and in some instances hypercalciuria; therefore, early in treatment during dosage adjustment, serum calcium should be determined twice weekly. In dialysis patients, a fall in serum alkaline phosphatase levels usually antedates the appearance of hypercalcemia and may be an indication of impending hypercalcemia. An abrupt increase in calcium intake as a result of changes in diet (eg, increased consumption of dairy products) or uncontrolled intake of calcium preparations may trigger hypercalcemia. Should hypercalcemia develop, treatment with Rocaltrol should be stopped immdiately. During periods of hypercalcemia, serum calcium and phosphate levels must be determined daily.
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