Key takeaways
Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and Fosrenol (lanthanum) are both medications used to manage complications in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but they work in different ways and treat different issues. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is a vitamin D analog that helps lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels by increasing calcium absorption, which is important for people with high PTH levels due to CKD. It is available in both capsule and intravenous forms. On the other hand, Fosrenol (lanthanum) is a phosphate binder that lowers phosphorus levels in the blood by binding to phosphates in food, which is crucial for people with high blood phosphate levels in advanced kidney disease. Fosrenol (lanthanum) must be taken with meals and is available in chewable tablet and powder forms. While Hectorol (doxercalciferol) can raise calcium levels, Fosrenol (lanthanum) does not affect calcium levels. Additionally, Hectorol (doxercalciferol) requires frequent lab monitoring to check calcium and PTH levels, whereas Fosrenol (lanthanum) requires monitoring of phosphorus levels. Both medications have potential side effects, but they differ in their specific risks and interactions with other medications.
