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Compare Hectorol vs. Zemplar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and Zemplar (paricalcitol) are both vitamin D analogs used to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). While both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms and can be taken orally or through IV injections, there are some differences between them. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is only approved for use in adults, whereas Zemplar (paricalcitol) can also be used in children as young as 10 years old. Additionally, Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is typically taken once a day or three times a week, depending on the stage of CKD, and Zemplar (paricalcitol) can also be taken once a day or three times a week, with specific dosing for children. Both medications require regular lab work to monitor calcium and PTH levels, but Zemplar (paricalcitol) also necessitates monitoring phosphorus levels. Side effects for both include high calcium levels, infections, nausea, and constipation.

  • Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
    Paricalcitol (Zemplar)
  • Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
    Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

  • Summary of Hectorol vs. Zemplar

    Summary for Vitamin D analog
    Prescription only

    Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is a lab-made form of vitamin D2. It's a medication that's used to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those on dialysis. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is available as lower-cost generic capsules and an injection through the vein (intravenous or IV). Side effects include infection, constipation, runny nose, and cough.

    Summary for Vitamin D analog
    Prescription only

    Paricalcitol (Zemplar) lowers parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with chronic kidney disease. It works just as well as calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and has similar side effects. Paricalcitol (Zemplar) only needs to be taken once per day or three times a week but you'll need to have lab work done regularly while taking this medication.

  • Indications of Hectorol vs. Zemplar

    Indications for
    •High PTH levels (secondary parathyroidism) in adults with stage 3 or stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) - capsules only
    •High PTH levels in adults with CKD and on dialysis - capsules and IV injection
    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of high parathyroid hormone levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3, 4, or 5

  • Pros and Cons of Hectorol vs. Zemplar

    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analog
    Pros
    •Capsules are taken once per day
    •Can help lower PTH levels
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, such as calcium- or vitamin-D containing products and digoxin (Lanoxin)
    •Risk of high calcium levels
    •Requires frequent lab monitoring
    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analog
    Pros
    •Works well at lowering PTH levels
    •Convenient dosing where it's taken either once per day or three times per week
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Requires you to have blood work done regularly
    •Can cause high calcium levels, which can be dangerous and require emergency treatment
    •You might need to change your diet to lower the risk of side effects.
    •Can interact with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Hectorol vs. Zemplar

    Common Side Effects for

    Stage 3 or 4 CKD:

    •Infection (30%)
    •Constipation (26%)
    •Runny nose (22%)
    •Cough (19%)
    •Shortness of breath (19%)
    •"Pin and needles" feeling in arms or legs (15%)
    •Weakness (15%)

    CKD on dialysis:

    •Swelling (34%)
    •Not feeling well (28%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (21%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Shortness of breath (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (5–13%)
    •Diarrhea (7–12%)
    •Common cold (8%)
    •Vomiting (5–8%)
    •High blood pressure (7%)
    •Swelling (6–7%)
    •Dizziness (5–7%)

  • Warnings of Hectorol vs. Zemplar

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Broken bones (fractures)
    Common Side Effects for
    •High calcium levels in your blood and urine
    •High aluminum levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Hectorol vs. Zemplar

    Learn more about Hectorol
    Learn more about Paricalcitol

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