Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2 injection
What is ergocalciferol injection?
ERGOCALCIFEROL (Calciferol®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Ergocalciferol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic ergocalciferol injections are not yet available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
-
kidney disease
-
too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
-
parathyroid disease
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, tartrazine dye (FD&C yellow dye No. 5), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Ergocalciferol is for injection into muscle or for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with ergocalciferol?
Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
-
antacids
-
calcium supplements
-
magnesium supplements
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking ergocalciferol?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements.
Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking ergocalciferol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.
What side effects may I notice from receiving ergocalciferol?
The recommended daily allowance of ergocalciferol does not usually cause any side effects.
Early side effects related to overdose include:
Late side effects include:
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2 oral solution
What is ergocalciferol oral solution?
ERGOCALCIFEROL (Calciferol®, Drisdol®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Ergocalciferol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic ergocalciferol oral solution is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
-
kidney disease
-
too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
-
parathyroid disease
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ergocalciferol oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Ergocalciferol oral solution comes in a dropper bottle. Use the dropper to accurately measure your medicine. The drops can be taken directly into the mouth or added to cereal, fruit juice, or other food. Take exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose because ergocalciferol is stored in the body.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ergocalciferol?
Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
-
antacids
-
calcium supplements
-
magnesium supplements
-
vitamin D
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking ergocalciferol?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements.
Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking ergocalciferol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.
Take ergocalciferol as a vitamin supplement only if you do not receive enough vitamins in your diet. A balanced diet should provide all of the vitamins you need. Fish and fish liver oils naturally contain vitamin D, but vitamin D is added to milk and bread. Your body makes some of its own vitamin D when you are in the sun.
What side effects may I notice from taking ergocalciferol?
The recommended daily allowance of ergocalciferol does not usually cause any side effects.
Early side effects related to overdose include:
Late side effects include:
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2 tablets or capsules
What are ergocalciferol tablets or capsules?
ERGOCALCIFEROL (Calciferol®, Drisdol®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Ergocalciferol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic prescription forms of ergocalciferol capsules are available, but not tablets.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
-
kidney disease
-
too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
-
parathyroid disease
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ergocalciferol tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Take exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose because ergocalciferol is stored in the body.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ergocalciferol?
Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
-
antacids
-
calcium supplements
-
magnesium supplements
-
vitamin D
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking ergocalciferol?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements.
Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking ergocalciferol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.
Take ergocalciferol as a vitamin D supplement only if you do not receive enough vitamins in your diet. A balanced diet should provide all of the vitamins you need. Fish and fish liver oils naturally contain vitamin D, and vitamin D is added to milk and bread. Your body makes some of its own vitamin D when you are in the sun.
What side effects may I notice from taking ergocalciferol?
The recommended daily allowance of ergocalciferol does not usually cause any side effects.
Early side effects related to overdose include:
Late side effects include:
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.