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Doxercalciferol Coupon - Doxercalciferol 0.5mcg capsule

doxercalciferol

Generic Hectorol
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 12, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

What is Hectorol (doxercalciferol) used 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

How Hectorol (doxercalciferol) works

Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is a vitamin D analog. It acts like vitamin D, which has a complex relationship with calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in your body. By acting like vitamin D, Hectorol (doxercalciferol) raises calcium absorption, which in turn blocks the production of PTH in the body. This helps lower PTH levels.

Are you looking for information on vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHectorol
Drug ClassVitamin D analog
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

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

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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Loss of appetite
  • Upset stomach
  • Joint pain
  • Chest pain
  • Itchiness
  • Slow heart beat
  • Sleep problems

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • High blood calcium levels: fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, depression, confusion
  • Serious allergic reaction: anaphylaxis; swelling of the face, lips, or airways; chest discomfort; shortness of breath

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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

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 Hectorol (doxercalciferol)

thumbs-up

Pros

Capsules are taken once per day

Can help lower PTH levels

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Hectorol (doxercalciferol)

pharmacist

  • Take Hectorol (doxercalciferol) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

    • Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done during treatment with Hectorol (doxercalciferol). Your provider will keep track of your kidney health and measure your blood levels of calcium, vitamin D, and PTH. This helps you and your provider see how well the medication is working for you.

      • Hectorol (doxercalciferol) interacts with a lot of medications. These interactions can affect how safe your medications are for you or how well they work. Some of these interactions include with magnesium-containing products like Milk of Magnesia, calcium-containing products, phenobarbital, and certain diuretics. Tell your providers about all of the medications you're taking before starting Hectorol (doxercalciferol). Don't start any new medications while taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol) without asking your pharmacist or provider if it's okay to take together.

        • Let your provider and pharmacist know if you're taking a heart medication called digoxin (Lanoxin). Your provider will want to check your blood calcium levels more closely. This is because Hectorol (doxercalciferol) can cause your blood calcium levels to rise, which can make you more sensitive to the effects of digoxin. This raises your risk of digoxin side effects.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Hectorol (doxercalciferol)

          Does Hectorol (doxercalciferol) raise calcium levels?
          Yes, Hectorol (doxercalciferol) helps your body absorb more calcium. The rise in blood calcium levels will lower your parathyroid hormone levels. This helps treat secondary hyperparathyroidism that can happen when you have severe CKD. But, there's also a possibility that Hectorol (doxercalciferol) can raise your calcium levels too much, which can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, your provider will check your calcium levels regularly while you're taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol) to make sure your calcium levels are within a safe level. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of high calcium levels, such as tiredness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and confusion.
          Is Hectorol (doxercalciferol) the same as calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
          Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and calcitriol (Rocaltrol) are similar, but they aren't exactly the same medication. Both medications can help treat high PTH levels (secondary hyperparathyroidism) in people with CKD. They both work like vitamin D, but they're different forms of vitamin D. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) acts like vitamin D2, which is inactive until it gets changed to the active form in the body. On the other hand, calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is already in the active form of vitamin D. By raising vitamin D levels, your calcium level rises. And when your calcium levels rise, less PTH gets made in the body. This helps lower your PTH levels. Compare and contrast between Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and calcitriol (Rocaltrol).
          What's the difference between Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and paricalcitol (Zemplar)?
          Both Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and paricalcitol (Zemplar) are lab-made versions of vitamin D2 that are used to lower PTH levels in people with late stages of CKD. Both medications are available as lower-cost generic pills that are taken by mouth and IV injections. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is only used in adults. While generic paricalcitol can also be used in adults, only the brand name of paricalcitol called Zemplar can be used in children as young as 10 years old. Learn more about the similarities and differences between Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and paricalcitol (Zemplar). Ask your provider if you have any questions about the two medications.
          Can I take calcium supplements while taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?
          You shouldn't take calcium supplements, including calcium carbonate (Tums) for heartburn, while you're taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol) unless your provider told you to do so. This is because taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol) with calcium supplements can raise your blood calcium to dangerously high levels (hypercalcemia). Make sure to tell your provider about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, dietary supplements you're taking or planning to take during treatment with Hectorol (doxercalciferol).
          What foods should I avoid while taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?
          If you have CKD, your food choices are important. Your kidneys don't work well to process certain substances and balance the fluids and electrolytes in your body. For this reason, your provider might recommend that you follow a special diet to keep you from harm. In general, limit foods that are high in salt (sodium), potassium, phosphorous, saturated fat, and processed meats. Since Hectorol (doxercalciferol) can affect your calcium levels, you'll want to be consistent with how much vitamin D-containing and calcium-containing foods you eat. This helps make sure your blood calcium levels don't go too high. Examples of these foods include dairy products, beans, mushrooms, and egg yolks. Talk to your provider or nutritionist about a diet plan that works best for you while you're taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol).
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          What are the risks and warnings for Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

          Hectorol (doxercalciferol) 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

          High blood calcium levels

          • Risk factors: Conditions that cause high calcium levels | Taking too much vitamin D | Taking too much calcium | Taking thiazide diuretics

            Hectorol (doxercalciferol) can sometimes lead to high calcium levels in the blood, which can be serious. High levels of calcium can raise your risk of heart, blood vessel problems, and seizures. You're at risk of having very high calcium levels if you're taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol) with high doses of calcium-containing products (e.g., supplements), certain diuretics ("water pills"), or other vitamin D products. For this reason, don't take additional vitamin D- or calcium-containing foods or supplements unless your provider said it's safe for you to do so.

            To make sure your blood calcium levels are safe, you'll need to get blood work done during treatment (more often at the start of treatment or when the dose changes, then eventually once every 3 months). Depending on your calcium levels, your provider might adjust your Hectorol (doxercalciferol) dose. Let your provider know if you notice any signs of high blood calcium levels, such as tiredness, problems thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and muscle weakness.

            risk-warning

            Serious allergic reaction

            Some people have had a serious and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction to Hectorol (doxercalciferol). These reactions can include anaphylaxis; swelling of the face, lips, or airways; chest discomfort; and shortness of breath. Get medical help or call 911 if you experience an allergic reaction at any time while you're taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol).

            risk-warning

            Broken bones (fractures)

            It's possible for Hectorol (doxercalciferol) to lower your PTH levels too much. This can cause your bones to weaken, which raises your risk of fractures. Your provider will check your PTH levels closely through blood work while you're taking Hectorol (doxercalciferol). They'll adjust your dose to make sure your PTH levels are healthy.

            dosage

            Hectorol (doxercalciferol) dosage forms

            The average cost for 90 capsules of 0.5mcg of Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is $169.77 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 75.91% off the average retail price of $704.61.
            capsule
            Capsule
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            0.5mcg90 capsules$169.77$1.89
            1mcg90 capsules$335.85$3.73
            2.5mcg30 capsules$99.83$3.33

            Typical dosing for Hectorol (doxercalciferol)

            • Capsules

              • Stage 3 or 4 CKD: The typical starting dose is 1 mcg by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 3.5 mcg once a day.

              • CKD on dialysis: The typical starting dose is 10 mcg by mouth three times a week at dialysis appointments. The maximum dose is 20 mcg three times a week at dialysis appointments.

            • Injection

              • CKD on dialysis: The medication is given by a healthcare provider at the end of your dialysis appointment. The typical starting dose is 4 mcg injected to the veins (IV) three times a week. The maximum dose is 18 mcg per week.

            Your provider will adjust your dose based on your PTH and calcium levels.

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            How much does Hectorol (doxercalciferol) cost?

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            Hectorol (brand)
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            Hectorol (doxercalciferol) (generic)
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            contraindications-icon

            Hectorol (doxercalciferol) 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 Hectorol (doxercalciferol) will not be safe for you to take.

            • High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)

            • Vitamin D toxicity

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Hectorol (doxercalciferol)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Hectorol (doxercalciferol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
            Used 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

            $99.83 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
            Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
            Used for:
            $13.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            images

            Hectorol (doxercalciferol) images

            White Hp 538 - Doxercalciferol 0.5mcg Capsule
            This medicine is White Capsule Imprinted With "Hp 538".White Hp 538 - Doxercalciferol 0.5mcg Capsule

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            References

            Best studies we found

            AbbVie Inc. (2021). Zemplar- paricalcitol capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.

            MedlinePlus. (2021). Calcium blood test.

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

            View All References (4)

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

            Winthrop U.S, a business of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. (2023). Doxercalciferol- doxercalciferol capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Your and Your Hormones. (n.d.). Parathyroid hormone.

            Your and Your Hormones. (n.d.). Vitamin D.

            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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