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Home > Drug Category > Endocrine > Rocaltrol and Equivalent

BigMountainDrugs.com supplies only genuine Rocaltrol from Canada shipped using the Canadian packaging. This Rocaltrol is manufactured by Genetech Inc. (a member of Roche Group), the worldwide manufacturer of Rocaltrol. This offer is neither endorsed nor authorized by Genetech Inc. (the United States and Canadian distributor of Rocaltrol). BigMountainDrugs.com has no affiliation whatsoever with Genetech Inc.

Rocaltrol Information

Rocaltrol (Calcitriol) is primarily used to manage low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) and associated metabolic bone disease in patients with chronic kidney failure or hypoparathyroidism. People with chronic kidney disease or those on dialysis often can't convert sufficient vitamin D to its active form, leading to low blood calcium. It is also used to prevent brittle bones and other bone problems, which may occur in individuals with overproduction of parathyroid hormone due to chronic kidney disease and low calcium. It is also used in individuals with low calcium levels due to low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism) or after surgical removal of the parathyroid gland. It may also be used in postmenopausal osteoporosis to enhance calcium absorption from food.

The active ingredient in Rocaltrol is calcitriol, a potent synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. It is a powerful vitamin D analogue that bypasses renal activation of vitamin D, which is crucial because, in advanced kidney disease, the kidneys can no longer perform this conversion. This deficiency in vitamin D causes low blood calcium, which often leads to renal osteodystrophy, a condition in which the body, deprived of calcium, begins extracting minerals from the bones, making them brittle and prone to fracture. Calcitriol works by binding to vitamin D receptors in the intestines and bones. This action stimulates the active transport of calcium and phosphate across the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. Restoring these levels helps suppress the overproduction of parathyroid hormone, which otherwise triggers bone destruction.

Rocaltrol Side Effects

Like other medications, Rocaltrol can have a range of side effects, although most individuals don't experience them. Some mild side effects of this medication include abdominal cramps, agitation, constipation, difficulty sleeping, extremity pain, headache, insomnia, metallic taste, nausea, red, irritated eyes, and vomiting. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• High blood calcium with symptoms like bone pain, constipation, depression, fatigue, and excessive thirst;
• Irregular heartbeat, rapid or pounding heartbeat

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Rocaltrol Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to calcitriol, other ingredients in Rocaltrol, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Cancers;
• Epilepsy;
• Heart disease;
• High blood calcium levels;
• Liver disease;
• Malabsorption syndrome;
• Rare diseases such as sarcoidosis or other rare, granulomatous diseases

Your physician may schedule regular blood tests to ensure that electrolyte levels remain appropriate while you are taking this medication. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor after careful evaluation of its risks and benefits. It is, however, recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it can pass through breastmilk and harm the infant. This medication is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established for children under the age of 18 years. It should be used with caution in older people, as they may be more prone to its side effects.

Staying hydrated is important while taking this medication. Unless you are on a fluid restriction due to kidney issues, drinking enough water helps your kidneys process the minerals. You should also be extra cautious if you're suddenly less mobile (such as being confined to bed after surgery), as your bones can release extra calcium into the blood when you aren't moving for too long. Some diuretics, like thiazides, actually stop your body from flushing out calcium. When you combine that with Rocaltrol’s ability to absorb more calcium, your calcium blood levels can spike rapidly, causing adverse effects. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with calcitriol.

Calcitriol is available in capsule and oral solution formulations. Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor or as stated in the medication leaflet. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water without crushing or chewing them. The oral solution provides an alternative for individuals who have difficulty swallowing capsules. You may take this medication with or without food, but consistency is the most critical factor for maintaining stable blood levels. Store the medication at room temperature in its original, light-resistant container to prevent degradation of the active ingredient.

Do I need a prescription to order Rocaltrol?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Rocaltrol.