Alfacalcidol capsules and drops

About alfacalcidol

Alfacalcidol is a type of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body. All three of these substances are important for maintaining healthy, strong bones and teeth.

There are several types of vitamin D available but most other types need 'activating' by the kidneys. Alfacalcidol is a form of vitamin D which does not need this activation process, and so it is particularly helpful for people who need their bones strengthening but who also have kidney problems. You may also need to take mineral supplements along with alfacalcidol.

Alfacalcidol is available as capsules, as oral liquid drops and also as an injection.

Before taking alfacalcidol

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking alfacalcidol it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had kidney stones or you have other problems with your kidneys.

• If you know you have too much calcium in your blood or urine. This can happen with some cancers.

• If you have any heart problems.

• If you have an allergy to sesame oil (used in One-Alpha® capsules).

• If you have been told you have sarcoidosis or other rare, 'granulomatous' disease.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take alfacalcidol

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about alfacalcidol and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take alfacalcidol exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken as one dose a day. Try to take your doses at the same time of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take it regularly.

• There are three strengths of capsule and one strength of oral drop available - your doctor will tell you what dose to take each day. Your dose could change from time to time depending upon the results of your routine blood tests.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Directions for using One-Alpha® drops

Note: each drop contains 0.1 microgram (100 nanograms) of alfacalcidol.

1. Remove the bottle cap. (Do not shake the bottle before using.) You will see a dropper which is ready for you to use.

2. Hold the bottle upside down so that a drop appears at the end of the dropper. If a drop doesn't form, tap the bottle gently with a finger so that it does.

3. Let the drop fall into your (or your child's) mouth, or catch it on a spoon if this is easier. Your doctor will tell you how many drops to take - count these out carefully to make sure that you (or your child) take the correct number.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have regular blood tests during the treatment to check on the amount of calcium in your blood. Your dose of alfacalcidol will be adjusted as a result of having these tests.

• Treatment with alfacalcidol may be for short periods of time (such as in preparation for surgery), or could be long-term. Please continue to take alfacalcidol regularly unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.

Can alfacalcidol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Alfacalcidol occasionally causes skin rashes but other side-effects could be due to too much calcium being in your blood (see the table below). You will find a full list of side-effects in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Please speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to alfacalcidol, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store alfacalcidol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Oral drops should be kept refrigerated once the bottle has been opened. Do not use or keep an opened bottle for longer than 28 days.

Important information about all medicines