INTRODUCTION

ALFACAL contains Alfacalcidol belongs to a group of medicines called vitamin D analogues. It is a type of vitamin D. Alfacalcidol is an active metabolite of Vitamin D, which is an important function in regulation of the calcium balance and bone metabolism. Vitamin D controls the levels of two substances in your body which is calcium and phosphate for healthy bones and teeth.

Always take this medicine as directed by physician. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of therapy depending upon your age, weight and condition. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. It is not recommended for the use in children and adolescents under 18 years. Do not take this medicine, if you have high levels of calcium in your blood. It should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Tell your doctor, if you are taking or taken or might take any other medicines. The most common side effects include dizziness, skin rash, confusion, abdominal pain, vomiting and fatigue.

USES OF ALFACAL

• Treat changes in bone caused by kidney failure (osteodystrophy)
• Treat changes to your parathyroid glands
• Treat low levels of calcium in the blood of newborn babies (hypocalcaemia) and softening and deformity of the bones due to lack of calcium (rickets or osteomalacia)

HOW ALFACAL WORKS

Alfacalcidol works by increasing the amount of vitamin D in your body.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take ALFACAL exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole with plenty of water. If you take more ALFACAL than you should, talk to your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ALFACAL

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin itching:

Avoid bath in hot water because hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.

Nausea and vomiting:

Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

• Anticonvulsants (for example, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine or primidone)
• Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin for heart problems
• Thiazide diuretics
• Calcium-containing medicines
• Other medicines that contain vitamin D
• Antacids containing magnesium for heartburn or indigestion

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT ALFACAL

Can ALFACAL be used in pregnant women?

No. ALFACAL should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

How do you take ALFACAL?

Take this medicine as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken one dose a day.

REFERENCES

1. A Shiraishi, S Higashi, H Ohkawa, N Kubodera, T Hirasawa, I Ezawa, K Ikeda, E Ogata; The advantage of alfacalcidol over vitamin D in the treatment of osteoporosis; [Revised on Oct 1999] [Accessed 28 Jan 2021] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671815/

2. K.D.Tripathi, Essentials of medical pharmacology, HORMONES AND RELATED DRUGS, Chapter 24 – DRUGS AFFECTING CALCIUM BALANCE, 7th edition 2013, Page – 342, 343.

3. LEO Laboratories Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on Mar 2017] [Accessed 28 Jan 2021] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5516.pdf

4. Strides Pharma UK Ltd.; Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on Nov 2019] [Accessed 28 Jan 2021] https://mri.cts-mrp.eu/human/downloads/DK_H_2282_002_FinalPL.pdf