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Calcitriol Coupon - Calcitriol 0.25mcg capsule

calcitriol

Generic Rocaltrol
Used for Calcium Deficiency, Hyperparathyroidism
Used for Calcium Deficiency, Hyperparathyroidism

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a form of vitamin D that's used to raise blood calcium levels; it's commonly used in people with kidney and parathyroid hormone problems. Side effects of calcitriol (Rocaltrol) are similar to the effects you can get when you take too much vitamin D, which includes muscle weakness, feeling tired or sleepy, or upset stomach. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) comes as capsules and a liquid that you take by mouth. It's available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 9, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

What is Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) used for?

How Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) works

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is the active form of vitamin D. It raises your vitamin D levels, which helps your body absorb more calcium. This raises your blood calcium levels.

Are you looking for information on vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), calcitriol ointment (Vectical), or calcitonin instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRocaltrol
Drug ClassVitamin D analog
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$24.580
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$24.58
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What are the side effects of Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Early signs of high calcium levels:
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Feeling tired or sleepy
  • Upset stomach or stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle pain
  • Bone pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Metallic taste

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Late-stage calcium toxicity: changes in urine, loss of appetite, light sensitivity, chest pain, racing heart
  • Allergic reaction: itching, rash, hives, swelling of lips

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
  • High phosphorus level—muscle pain or cramps, bone or joint pain, numbness and tingling around the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

thumbs-up

Pros

First-choice treatment option for low calcium levels in people with hypoparathyroidism or severe kidney problems

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Can be used in young children

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Cons

Need to get blood tests done often to check your calcium levels

Best to keep the amount of calcium you eat consistent (eat the same amount each day) while you're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

Can interact with a lot of medications, such as certain antacids, steroids, and diuretics

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

pharmacist

  • Take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) at the same time every day. You should only stop taking the medication if your provider tells you to. If your calcium levels are too high, they might ask you to stop the medication for a period of time.

    • You'll need to have your blood drawn about twice a week when you're first starting calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and anytime your dose changes. Your providers want to make sure you're getting the right dose of medication to help with your medical condition.

      • Take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) exactly as prescribed and avoid other vitamin D supplements during treatment. Taking too much vitamin D can cause dangerously high levels of calcium.

        • Try to be consistent about the amount of calcium-rich foods you eat while you're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol). This will help make sure your calcium levels stay within normal limits. Ask your provider how much calcium you should be getting per day.

          • If you're on dialysis, avoid antacids that contain magnesium, such as Mylanta and Milk of Magnesia. Taking these antacids with calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can cause high levels of magnesium, which can lead to serious breathing or heart problems.

            • If you're using the oral solution of calcitriol (Rocaltrol), keep it in its original container and store it at room temperature. The medication will come with disposable oral dispensers. Each oral dispenser is meant to be used once to measure and take the dose and then thrown away.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

              Is calcitriol (Rocaltrol) vitamin D?
              Yes, calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is an active form of vitamin D. Although the name sounds a bit like calcium, it's not calcium, but the medication does affect your calcium levels. Vitamin D helps your body absorb and hold onto calcium to raise calcium levels in the blood.
              How does calcitriol (Rocaltrol) affect blood phosphate levels?
              Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) helps the gut absorb more phosphorus, which can raise your blood phosphate levels. This might be problematic for people with kidney failure who already struggle with high phosphate levels. Your provider will check your blood phosphate levels regularly while you take calcitriol (Rocaltrol). They might have you take a phosphate binder if your levels get too high.
              Can you take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and vitamin D together?
              Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a very potent (strong) form of vitamin D and you shouldn't have to take additional vitamin D supplements to help treat your condition. Taking additional vitamin D supplements can actually lead to having too much vitamin D and calcium in your body, which can be dangerous. Make sure to check with your provider or pharmacist first before starting any new supplements because some can include vitamin D and calcium.
              Can you take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and calcium together?
              You shouldn't take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and calcium together, unless your provider specifically instructed you to. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can raise your calcium levels and it can be very harmful if your calcium levels get too high. Your provider might also want you to be mindful of how much calcium you're getting from your diet and other medications. High calcium levels can lead to symptoms like constipation, stomach upset or pain, confusion, or muscle weakness. If you experience these symptoms, get medical help right away.
              Does calcitriol (Rocaltrol) affect your kidneys?
              Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) doesn't affect your kidneys unless the dose is too high. An overdose of the medication can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, which your body will try to remove by passing it into your urine. If this continues for a long time, it can lead to kidney tissue damage.
              How long does it take for calcitriol (Rocaltrol) to start working?
              Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) works very quickly. You might not feel a difference when you take the medication. But your provider will be able to see a change in your calcium levels on your blood test results within a few days.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

              Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Overdose

              • Risk factors: High daily calcium intake

                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a potent (strong) form of vitamin D. Taking too much can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, which can be dangerous. High levels of calcium can damage your kidneys and blood vessels. Keep your calcium intake consistent; eat the same amount of calcium-rich foods or take the same amount of calcium supplements every day. Let your provider know if you notice any signs of high calcium levels, such as a metallic taste in your mouth, dry mouth, muscle or bone pain, or a headache. Your provider can order labs to check your calcium levels and start treatment to lower your calcium levels, if needed.

                risk-warning

                Interactions with other medications

                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can interact with a number of medications. These medications can include ketoconazole, cholestyramine (Prevalite), corticosteroids, phosphate binders, magnesium-containing supplements or antacids, and diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide. Some medications can raise the levels of calcitriol (Rocaltrol), vitamin D, calcium, or other electrolytes; other medications can lower these levels. Make sure all of your providers have a full list of medications and supplements you're taking so they can adjust your dose based on possible drug interactions.

                dosage

                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) dosage forms

                The average cost for 30 capsules of 0.25mcg of Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is $32.87 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 57.36% off the average retail price of $77.08.
                bottle of oral solution
                Bottle of oral solution
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                15ml of 1mcg/ml1 bottle$223.88$223.88
                capsule
                Capsule
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                0.25mcg30 capsules$32.87$1.10
                0.5mcg114 capsules$313.78$2.75

                Typical dosing for Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

                • Adults: The typical starting dose is 0.25 mcg by mouth daily. Your provider will check your blood calcium levels throughout therapy. They might raise your dose if your levels remain low.

                • Children: Your child's dose will depend on their age, weight, and the reason they're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol).

                drug-cost

                How much does Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Rocaltrol (brand)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $32.87

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                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) (generic)
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                $24.58

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                contraindications-icon

                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) will not be safe for you to take.

                • Having high levels of calcium or vitamin D

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcitriol (Rocaltrol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
                Used for:
                $24.58 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)
                Used for:

                • Hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone levels)

                • Familial hypophosphatemia (genetic condition causing low phosphate levels)

                • Vitamin D-resistant rickets (weakening of the bones caused by low vitamin D)

                $10.07 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
                Used for:

                • Low vitamin D levels

                $9.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) images

                Yellow 547 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "547".Yellow 547 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                Brown And Red-Brown 93 657 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                This medicine is Brown And Red-Brown Capsule Imprinted With "93 657".Brown And Red-Brown 93 657 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                Orange Oval 673 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                This medicine is Orange, Oval Capsule Imprinted With "673".Orange Oval 673 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                Orange Cal1 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "Cal1".Orange Cal1 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                Orange 673 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "673".Orange 673 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                Orange R25 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule
                This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "R25".Orange R25 - Calcitriol 0.25mcg Capsule

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                References

                Best studies we found

                American Kidney Fund. (2023). High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia).

                Bilezikian, J. P., et al. (2016). Management of hypoparathyroidism: Present and future. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

                Brandi, M. L., et al. (2016). Management of hypoparathyroidism: Summary statement and guidelines. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 

                View All References (12)

                Chartwell RX, LLC. (2023). Calcitriol capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2023). Calcitriol solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Kidney International Supplements. (2017). KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).

                Lung, B. E., et al. (2023). Calcitriol. StatPearls.

                MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Calcium blood test.

                MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Phosphate in blood.

                MedlinePlus. (2022). Hypoparathyroidism.

                MedlinePlus. (2022). Pseudohypothyroidism.

                National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

                National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Secondary hyperparathyroidism.

                You and Your Hormones. (2021). Vitamin D.

                You and Your Hormones. (2022). Parathyroid glands.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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