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Compare Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

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

Key takeaways

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and doxercalciferol (Hectorol) are both vitamin D analogs used to manage calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, but they have some key differences. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D and is used to raise blood calcium levels in people with kidney and parathyroid problems. It's available as capsules and a liquid taken by mouth. On the other hand, doxercalciferol is a lab-made form of vitamin D2 that needs to be activated in the body and is used to lower PTH levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It comes in capsules and as an intravenous injection. While both medications can raise calcium levels, calcitriol is already active and works faster. Additionally, doxercalciferol is specifically used for secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD, while calcitriol is used for a broader range of conditions related to low calcium levels. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor calcium levels, but doxercalciferol also requires monitoring of PTH levels.

  • Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
  • Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    Hectorol (doxercalciferol)

  • Summary of Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

    Summary for Vitamin D analog
    Prescription only

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

    Indications for
    •Low calcium in people on dialysis
    •Secondary hyperparathyroidism in people not yet on dialysis
    •Low calcium in people with hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analog
    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
    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

    Common Side Effects for

    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
    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%)

  • Warnings of Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Overdose
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Broken bones (fractures)

  • Prices with our coupons for Rocaltrol vs. Hectorol

    Learn more about Calcitriol
    Learn more about Hectorol

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