paricalcitol (oral/injection)

Skip to main navigation

Skip to footer

For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers

Español

For Individuals & Families:

For Individuals & Families

Shop for Plans

Medical

Dental

Other Supplemental

Explore coverage through work

How to Buy Health Insurance

Types of Dental Insurance

Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment

See all topics

Shop for Medicare plans

Member Guide

Find a Doctor

Home

Knowledge Center

Wellness Library

paricalcitol (oral/injection)

Pronunciation: PAR i KAL si tol

Brand: Zemplar

Zemplar

slide 1 of 20, Zemplar,

2 mcg, oval, brown, imprinted with LOGO ZF

slide 1 of 20

Zemplar

slide 2 of 20, Zemplar,

1 mcg, oval, gray, imprinted with LOGO ZA

slide 2 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 3 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, capsule, pink/white, imprinted with RDY663, 1 mcg

slide 3 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 4 of 20, Paricalcitol,

2 mcg, oval, orange, imprinted with PA2

slide 4 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 5 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, capsule, gray, imprinted with a, ZA

slide 5 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 6 of 20, Paricalcitol,

2 mcg, capsule, orange, imprinted with a, ZF

slide 6 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 7 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, oval, gray, imprinted with PA1

slide 7 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 8 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, capsule, gray, imprinted with 12

slide 8 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 9 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, capsule, gray, imprinted with ZA

slide 9 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 10 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, oval, gray, imprinted with PA1

slide 10 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 11 of 20, Paricalcitol,

1 mcg, oval, gray, imprinted with PA1

slide 11 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 12 of 20, Paricalcitol,

2 mcg, oval, orange, imprinted with PA2

slide 12 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 13 of 20, Paricalcitol,

2 mcg, capsule, brown, imprinted with 14

slide 13 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 14 of 20, Paricalcitol,

2 mcg, oval, orange, imprinted with PA2

slide 14 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 15 of 20, Paricalcitol,

2 mcg, capsule, orange, imprinted with PA2

slide 15 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 16 of 20, Paricalcitol,

4 mcg, oval, yellow, imprinted with PA4

slide 16 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 17 of 20, Paricalcitol,

4 mcg, capsule, yellow, imprinted with 17

slide 17 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 18 of 20, Paricalcitol,

4 mcg, capsule, yellow, imprinted with PA4

slide 18 of 20

Paricalcitol

slide 19 of 20, Paricalcitol,

4 mcg, oval, yellow, imprinted with PA4

slide 19 of 20

Zemplar

slide 20 of 20, Zemplar,

4 mcg, oval, yellow, imprinted with LOGO ZK

slide 20 of 20

What is the most important information I should know about paricalcitol?

You should not use paricalcitol if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood.

What is paricalcitol?

Paricalcitol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Paricalcitol is used to help maintain healthy levels of parathyroid hormone in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Paricalcitol oral is for use in adults and children at least 10 years old.

Paricalcitol injection is for use in adults and children at least 5 years old.

Paricalcitol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using paricalcitol?

You should not use paricalcitol if you are allergic to it, or if you have high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your body.

You should not be treated with paricalcitol injection if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

high blood pressure;
liver disease; or
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you breastfeed while receiving paricalcitol injection, watch for signs of hypercalcemia in your baby (such as feeding problems, vomiting, constipation, or seizure).

How should I use paricalcitol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Paricalcitol is usually given every other day or 3 times per week. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Paricalcitol oral is taken by mouth.

You may take paricalcitol oral with or without food.

Paricalcitol injection is given as an infusion into a vein during dialysis. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling when paricalcitol is injected.

Your blood will need to be tested often. Your doses may be delayed based on the results.

Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

You may need to follow a special diet while using paricalcitol. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store paricalcitol oral at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Because you will receive paricalcitol injection in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a hemodialysis appointment.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using paricalcitol?

Avoid using any vitamin D or calcium supplements without your doctor's advice.

If you take paricalcitol oral: Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends.

Grapefruit may interact with paricalcitol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What are the possible side effects of paricalcitol?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

fast, slow, or pounding heartbeats;
fever, flu symptoms, mouth and throat ulcers;
new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
a seizure; or
high calcium levels --nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, confusion, weight loss, tiredness.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone if your parathyroid hormone levels get too low. Talk with your doctor about how to avoid the risk of fractures.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting;
swelling in your hands or feet;
dizziness or spinning sensation;
joint pain; or
runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect paricalcitol?

Some medicines can make paricalcitol much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your oral paricalcitol dose 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take the other medicine:

cholestyramine; or
mineral oil.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect paricalcitol, especially:

digoxin (digitalis);
a diuretic or "water pill";
nefazodone;
a phosphate binder --ferric citrate, sevelamer, lanthanum carbonate;
an antibiotic --clarithromycin, telithromycin;
antifungal medicine --itraconazole, ketoconazole; or
antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS --indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect paricalcitol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about paricalcitol.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01. Revision date: 11/20/2019.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read, understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by clicking on this link.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card

File a claim

View my claims and EOBs

Check coverage under my plan

See prescription drug list

Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility

Find a form

Find 1095-B tax form information

View the Cigna Glossary

Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families

Medicare

Employers

Brokers

Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal

Health Care Provider portal

Cigna for Employers

Client Resource Portal

Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About The Cigna Group

Company Profile

Careers

Newsroom

Investors

Suppliers

The Cigna Group

Third Party Administrators

International

Evernorth

Privacy

Legal

Product Disclosures

Cigna Company Names

Customer Rights

Accessibility

Non-Discrimination Notice

Language Assistance [PDF]

Report Fraud

Sitemap

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details

Shop for Plans

Shop for your own coverage

Plans through your employer

Learn

Looking for Medicare coverage?

paricalcitol (oral/injection)

Zemplar

Zemplar

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Paricalcitol

Zemplar

What is the most important information I should know about paricalcitol?

What is paricalcitol?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using paricalcitol?

How should I use paricalcitol?

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using paricalcitol?

What are the possible side effects of paricalcitol?

What other drugs will affect paricalcitol?

Where can I get more information?

Page Footer

I want to...

Audiences

Secure Member Sites

The Cigna Group Information

Disclaimer