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Paricalcitol Coupon - Paricalcitol 1mcg capsule

paricalcitol

Generic Zemplar
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism

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.

Last reviewed on September 8, 2021
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What is Paricalcitol (Zemplar)?

What is Paricalcitol (Zemplar) used for?

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

How Paricalcitol (Zemplar) works

Paricalcitol (Zemplar) is a form of vitamin D. It binds to vitamin D receptors, which stops your body from making too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Are you looking for information on Zelapar (selegiline) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZemplar
Drug Class Vitamin D analog
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$866.97(save 92.78%)
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$62.57
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What are the side effects of Paricalcitol (Zemplar)?

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

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

Other Side Effects

  • Runny nose
  • Infections
  • Low blood pressure
  • Chills
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling like you're spinning (vertigo)
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • High fluid in your blood
  • Bleeding in your stomach
  • Stomach infection
  • Constipation
  • Urge to urinate
  • Flu
  • Arthritis or join pain, arthritis
  • Weakness
  • Pink eye
  • Asthma
  • Lung infection (pneumonia)
  • Fever

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions: itching, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High calcium levels: tiredness, trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, more thirst, more urination, weight loss

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

cough or hoarseness

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fever or chills

headache

hives

itching

lower back or side pain

nervousness

pain

painful or difficult urination

pounding in the ears

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

shortness of breath

skin rash

slow or fast heartbeat

swelling

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material

ammonia-like breath odor

anxiety

bladder pain

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bloody or cloudy urine

burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

chest pain or discomfort

cold sweats

coma

confusion

convulsions

cool, pale skin

decreased urine

depression

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

drowsiness

dry mouth

fainting

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of discomfort or illness

increase in heart rate

increased hunger

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

joint pain

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nausea or vomiting

nightmares

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

rapid breathing

rapid weight gain

runny nose

sensation of pins and needles

shakiness

shivering

slurred speech

sneezing

sore throat

stabbing pain

sunken eyes

sweating

thirst

trouble sleeping

troubled breathing

unusual weight gain or loss

weight loss

wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

slow or irregular breathing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Abdominal or stomach cramps

constipation

depression

high urine levels of calcium

incoherent speech

increased urination

metallic taste

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

muscle weakness

tremor

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

back pain

belching

bloody nose

bruising

change in vision

cough producing mucus

difficulty with moving

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

heartburn

impaired vision

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin

leg cramps

muscle pain or stiffness

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

pain, swelling, or redness in the joints

sensation of spinning

sores on the skin

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

stuffy nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

thumbs-up

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

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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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

pharmacist
  • Paricalcitol (Zemplar) can raise your calcium levels, which can cause tiredness, trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, more thirst, more urination, and weight loss. Let your provider know right away if you feel any of these symptoms. You might need emergency medical treatment if your calcium levels go really high.

    • Your provider will order blood work to watch your calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels are while you're taking paricalcitol (Zemplar). Based on your test results, your provider might change your dose of paricalcitol (Zemplar).

      • Don't take medications that contain aluminum, such as antacids and phosphate binders, while you're taking paricalcitol (Zemplar). This can raise the aluminum levels in your blood, which can damage your bones. Check with your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure if your medications contain alumnimum.

        • If you're also taking cholestyramine (Prevalite) or mineral oil, don't take it at the same time that you take paricalcitol (Zemplar) because it can lower the amount of paricalcitol (Zemplar) your body absorbs. Take paricalcitol (Zemplar) at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine (Prevalite) or mineral oil.

          • Take paricalcitol (Zemplar) exactly as it's prescribed, either once a day or 3 times a week. If you're taking paricalcitol (Zemplar) three times per week, don't take the medication more often than every other day.

            • Take paricalcitol (Zemplar) with or without food.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

              Will I have to change my diet while taking paricalcitol (Zemplar)?
              Your provider might have you lower the amount of phosphorus in your diet because paricalcitol (Zemplar) can raise the phosphorus levels in your blood. To lower your risk of having side effects while taking paricalcitol (Zemplar), limit dairy, beans, nuts, oatmeal, and lentils, which are all high in phosphorus. Examples of foods with low phosphorus are apples, seafood, and turkey breast.
              How often do I need to have lab work done while taking paricalcitol (Zemplar)?
              Your provider will monitor your calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels at least every 2 weeks for the first 3 months after you start taking paricalcitol (Zemplar) or after your dose is changed. For the following 3 months, you'll need to have lab work done once a month. Afterwards, you'll have lab work done every 3 months.
              Can I take paricalcitol (Zemplar) if I'm breastfeeding?
              It's not known if paricalcitol (Zemplar) will be present in your breast milk, what the effects of the medication would be on your baby, or what the effects of paricalcitol (Zemplar) would be on your milk supply. Because paricalcitol (Zemplar) can cause serious side effects, such as high calcium in your baby, it’s not recommended that you breastfeed while taking paricalcitol (Zemplar).
              Can I take over-the-counter vitamin D while I'm taking paricalcitol (Zemplar)?
              Taking too much vitamin D can cause your PTH levels to go too low, which can lead to high calcium in your blood and urine, high phosphorus levels, and bone disease. Don't take any other vitamin D supplements (prescription or over-the-counter) until you and your provider weigh the risks and benefits of taking these medications together.
              How do I know if my calcium levels are too high?
              Paricalcitol (Zemplar) can cause high calcium levels, which can lead to heart problems and seizures. It's important that you watch out for signs and symptoms of high calcium and let your provider know right away if you experience any. These include feeling tired, having difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, being thirstier than normal, urinating more often, or losing weight.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Paricalcitol (Zemplar)?

              Paricalcitol (Zemplar) 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 calcium levels in your blood and urine

              • Risk factors: Taking digoxin (Lanoxin), high doses of medications that contain calcium, certain water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), or prescription-strength vitamin D medications | History of high calcium levels

                Taking too much vitamin D can cause dangerously high calcium levels in your blood. This can lead to serious changes to your heart rhythm, seizures, and if you're taking digoxin (Lanoxin), it can raise your risk of digitalis toxicity, which is a condition where digoxin builds up in your system. The risk of this is higher if you're taking high doses of medications that contain calcium, certain water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), or other vitamin D medications. Avoid prescription-strength doses of vitamin D while taking paricalcitol (Zemplar). It's important that you can recognize the signs and symptoms of high calcium because severely elevated calcium levels might require emergency medical care. High calcium levels can cause tiredness, trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, more thirst, more urination, and weight loss. If you feel any of these symptoms, let your provider know right away. They will monitor your calcium levels occasionally while you're taking paricalcitol (Zemplar).

                risk-warning

                High aluminum levels

                • Risk factors: Taking medications that contain aluminum

                  Taking paricalcitol (Zemplar) with medications that contain aluminum, such as antacids and phosphate binders, can cause dangerously high levels of aluminum in your body, which can cause bone pain, muscle pain, fractures, and softening of your bones. Check with your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure if your medications contain alumnimum.

                  dosage

                  Paricalcitol (Zemplar) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 90 capsules of 1mcg of Paricalcitol (Zemplar) is $79.24 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 90.86% off the average retail price of $866.97.
                  capsule
                  Capsule
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1mcg90 capsules$79.24$0.88
                  2mcg30 capsules$62.57$2.09
                  4mcg30 capsules$129.44$4.31

                  Typical dosing for Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

                  • Adults with CKD stage 3 or 4: The typical starting dose is 1 mcg to 2 mcg by mouth once per day or 2 mcg to 4 mcg by mouth three times per week.

                  • Adults on dialysis (CKD stage 5): Your provider will prescribe a dose based on your PTH levels. Paricalcitol (Zemplar) is taken three times per week.

                  • Children (aged 10–16 years) with CKD stage 3 or 4: The typical starting dose is 1 mcg by mouth three times a week.

                  • Children (aged 10–16 years) on dialysis (CKD stage 5): The provider will prescribe a dose based on the child's PTH levels. Paricalcitol (Zemplar) is taken three times per week.

                  Paricalcitol (Zemplar) is also available as an IV into the vein that your provider administers, often during dialysis.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Paricalcitol (Zemplar) and other drugs

                  Paricalcitol (Zemplar) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Paricalcitol (Zemplar). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  • Burosumab-twza

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Paricalcitol (Zemplar) cost?

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Paricalcitol (Zemplar) 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 Paricalcitol (Zemplar) will not be safe for you to take.
                  • High calcium levels

                  • High vitamin D levels (toxicity) which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Paricalcitol (Zemplar)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Paricalcitol (Zemplar). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Paricalcitol (Zemplar)
                  Used for:
                  • Prevention and treatment of high parathyroid hormone levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3, 4, or 5

                  $62.57 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  $15.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  $1196.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Paricalcitol (Zemplar) images

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                  This medicine is White Capsule Imprinted With "Rdy663 1 Mcg".White Rdy663 1 Mcg - Paricalcitol 1mcg Capsule
                  Gray Oval Pa1 - Paricalcitol 1mcg Capsule
                  This medicine is Gray, Oval Capsule Imprinted With "Pa1".Gray Oval Pa1 - Paricalcitol 1mcg Capsule

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