calcitriol

Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones.

Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease who can't make enough of the active form of Vitamin D. This medication is also used to prevent and treat certain types of calcium/phosphorus/parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes other medications.

Show more
30 Capsules, 0.25 mcg

My Rx is at Blink Pharmacy

Set your location
delivery-truck
Home DeliveryHow it works?
$10.80

Fast, free delivery from Blink Pharmacy.

Safe Pharmacy logoLegitScript approved
  • Includes medication
  • Free shipping
  • No membership fees
Prescription Required
pharmacy
Everyday Low PriceHow it works?
$19.64

Pick up at any participating pharmacy near you.

Walmart logoAlbertsons logoSafeway logoSee all
  • Local pharmacy pickup
  • 35,000+ pharmacies
Prescription Required
Enrolled in a Quick Save Program? Sign in

Lowest Prices

Get the lowest prices on generic medications.

Private and secure

Your privacy is always protected and your information is secure.

Convenience

Choose from our flexible purchasing options to find what's right for you.

Prescriptions made easy

We work with your doctor or local pharmacist to take care of transfers, refill requests, and more.

About calcitriol

Overview

Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones.

Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease who can't make enough of the active form of Vitamin D. This medication is also used to prevent and treat certain types of calcium/phosphorus/parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes other medications.

How to use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form, measure your dose with a special measuring spoon or device. Do not use a normal household spoon since you may not get the correct dose.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and adjust the dose slowly to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

It is very important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) unless ordered by your doctor.

Certain medications (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of calcitriol (at least 2 hours apart, longer if possible). It may be easiest to take calcitriol at bedtime if you are also taking these other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about finding a good dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

Side effects

Calcitriol does not usually have side effects. Your doctor may check your calcium and phosphate blood levels and adjust your dose if you have side effects.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, back/bone/joint/muscle pain, constipation, dry mouth, eye pain/redness/sensitivity to light, headache, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sleepiness, stomach/abdominal pain, increased thirst, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking calcitriol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high calcium levels.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), kidney disease, kidney stones.

Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed (immobile) for a long time. Being immobile for long periods of time increases your risk of side effects.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Drug interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitalis), magnesium-containing medications (e.g., antacids, milk of magnesia), phosphate binders, vitamins/nutritional supplements (especially calcium and vitamin D), drugs that can speed up the removal of calcitriol from your body (e.g., ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin).

Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins) because they may contain calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and vitamin D. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Calcitriol is very similar to other forms of vitamin D. Do not use medications containing other forms of vitamin D while using calcitriol.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., cholesterol test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: weakness, headache, loss of appetite, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness.

More

Missed Doses:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Notes:

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, parathyroid levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Foods rich in vitamin D include: fortified dairy products, eggs, sardines, cod liver oil, chicken livers and freshwater fish. Vitamin D is also obtained from periodic exposure to the sun.

It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet while taking this medication. Calcium supplements may be recommended in addition to this medication. The usual recommendation for calcium is 600 to 1200 milligrams per day. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not take supplements unless directed by your doctor.

Selected from the Licensed Solutions data included with permission and copyrighted by FDB, inc., 2014. This copyrighted material has been downloaded and Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings. This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any drug or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blink Health?

Blink Health is driving down the cost of prescription drugs in America with up to 80% savings on prescription medications. Pay our discounted price online and receive free home delivery from our licensed US pharmacy or pickup at any of our 35,000+ participating pharmacies nationwide. There are no membership fees and prescription transfers are easy.

Looking to pay with BlinkRx? Click here.

How do I use Blink for the first time?

To use Blink, you must have a valid prescription from a doctor. Search for your medication on blinkhealth.com and pay online.

For free home delivery, we can help transfer prescriptions from your doctor or current pharmacy during checkout. Once we've received your prescription, your medication will be delivered in 4-6 business days.

For local pharmacy pickup, pay online and you will receive a Blink card. Go to any of our participating pharmacies, show your Blink card to the pharmacist and pay $0 at the counter. Make sure the pharmacy has your prescription from your doctor.

Prefer to get start over the phone give us a call 1 (833) 844 - 9621.

If you don't have a prescription or need to renew your prescription, we can connect you with a US licensed medical professional for an online doctor visit for E.D., hair loss, birth control, cold sores, acid reflux, and high cholesterol.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, you need a valid prescription from a doctor to use Blink.

If you don't have a prescription, we can connect you with a licensed medical professional for an online doctor visit for E.D., hair loss, birth control, cold sores, acid reflux, and high cholesterol.

Does my pharmacy accept Blink?

Blink is accepted at 35,000+ pharmacies nationwide, including Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Publix, Costco, Safeway, HEB, Brookshires, and many more. Most independent pharmacies also accept Blink. Find a pharmacy near you here.

Need help?

Support Hours:
Monday - Friday 8am - 9pm ET
Saturdays 9am - 5pm ET

BlinkRx Support HoursMonday - Friday 8am - 9pm ETSaturdays 9am - 5pm ET
Blink Health is driving down the cost of prescription drugs for everyone in America.


Blink Health is driving down the cost of prescription drugs for everyone in America.Try the app now

©2023 Blink Health Administration LLC

DisclaimersPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseHIPAA Privacy NoticeAccessibility

Open Accessibility Helper

Blink Health is NOT insurance. The discount plan organization is Blink Health Administration LLC, 1407 Broadway, Suite 1910, New York, NY 10018, 1 (844) 265-6444, www.blinkhealth.com.