Generic Alfacip, tablets

Common uses

This medicine is a form of vitamin D used to treat hypocalcemia (not enough calcium in the blood). This medicine is also used to treat certain types of bone disease that may occur with kidney disease in patients who are undergoing kidney dialysis.

Before Using

If you are taking this medicine supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For vitamin D and related compounds, the following should be considered:

Allergies: Tell your health care professional if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alfacalcidol, calcifediol, calcitriol, dihydrotachysterol, doxercalciferol, ergocalciferol, or paricalcitol. Also, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy: It is especially important that you are receiving enough vitamin D when you become pregnant and that you continue to receive the right amounts of vitamins throughout your pregnancy. The healthy growth and development of the fetus depend on a steady supply of nutrients from the mother.

You may need vitamin D supplements if you are a strict vegetarian (vegan-vegetarian) and/or have little exposure to sunlight and do not drink vitamin D-fortified milk.

Breast-feeding: It is especially important that you receive the right amounts of vitamins so that your baby will also get the vitamins needed to grow properly. Infants who are totally breast-fed and have little exposure to the sun may require vitamin D supplementation. However, taking large amounts of a dietary supplement while breast-feeding may be harmful to the mother and/or baby and should be avoided.

Children: Problems in children have not been reported with intake of normal daily recommended amounts. Some studies have shown that infants who are totally breast-fed, especially with dark-skinned mothers, and have little exposure to sunlight may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Your health care professional may prescribe a vitamin/mineral supplement that contains vitamin D. Some infants may be sensitive to even small amounts of this medicine. Also, children may show slowed growth when receiving large doses of this medicine for a long time.

Studies on doxercalciferol or paricalcitol have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of doxercalciferol or paricalcitol in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults: Problems in older adults have not been reported with intake of normal daily recommended amounts. Studies have shown that older adults may have lower blood levels of vitamin D than younger adults, especially those who have little exposure to sunlight. Your health care professional may recommend that you take a vitamin supplement that contains vitamin D.

Directions

For use as a dietary supplement: Do not take more than the recommended daily amount . Vitamin D is stored in the body, and taking too much over a period of time can cause poisoning and even death.

For individuals taking the oral liquid form of this ths medicine. This preparation should be taken by mouth even though it comes in a dropper bottle. This dietary supplement may be dropped directly into the mouth or mixed with cereal, fruit juice, or other food.

While you are taking this medicine your health care professional may want you to follow a special diet or take a calcium supplement. Be sure to follow instructions carefully. If you are already taking a calcium supplement or any medicine containing calcium, make sure your health care professional knows.

Cautions

For use as a dietary supplement: If you miss taking a dietary supplement for one or more days there is no cause for concern, since it takes some time for your body to become seriously low in vitamins. However, if your health care professional has recommended that you take this dietary supplement, try to remember to take it as directed every day.

To store this medicine: Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the dietary supplement to break down. Keep the oral liquid form of the dietary supplement from freezing. Do not keep outdated dietary supplements or those no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded dietary supplement is out of the reach of children.

Possible side effects

Along with its needed effects, a dietary supplement may cause some unwanted effects. This medicine does not usually cause any side effects when taken as directed. However, taking large amounts over a period of time may cause some unwanted effects that can be serious.

If you take too much

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following effects occur: Late symptoms of severe overdose - high blood pressure; high fever; irregular heartbeat; stomach pain (severe).

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some individuals. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.