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Compare Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

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

Key takeaways

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and paricalcitol (Zemplar) are both vitamin D analogs used to manage conditions related to calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, but they have different primary uses and dosing schedules. Calcitriol is mainly used to raise blood calcium levels in people with kidney and parathyroid problems, while paricalcitol is used to lower PTH levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Calcitriol is taken daily, whereas paricalcitol can be taken either daily or three times a week. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor calcium and other levels, but paricalcitol also necessitates dietary adjustments to manage phosphorus intake. Additionally, while both medications can cause high calcium levels, paricalcitol has a broader range of potential side effects, including high blood pressure and dizziness. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    Paricalcitol (Zemplar)
  • Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

  • Summary of Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

    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

    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 Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

    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
    •Prevention and treatment of high parathyroid hormone levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3, 4, or 5

  • Pros and Cons of Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

    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
    •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 Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

    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
    •Nausea (5–13%)
    •Diarrhea (7–12%)
    •Common cold (8%)
    •Vomiting (5–8%)
    •High blood pressure (7%)
    •Swelling (6–7%)
    •Dizziness (5–7%)

  • Warnings of Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Overdose
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •High calcium levels in your blood and urine
    •High aluminum levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Rocaltrol vs. Zemplar

    Learn more about Calcitriol
    Learn more about Paricalcitol

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