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Rayaldee Coupon - Rayaldee 30mcg capsule

Rayaldee

calcifediol
Used for Hyperparathyroidism
Used for Hyperparathyroidism

Rayaldee (calcifediol) is a vitamin D analog used to treat high parathyroid hormone levels (secondary hyperparathyroidism) in certain adults with kidney problems and low vitamin D levels. It comes as a 30 mcg extended-release capsule that's taken by mouth every night at bedtime. Common side effects include anemia, common cold symptoms, and shortness of breath.

Last reviewed on January 3, 2025
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What is Rayaldee (calcifediol)?

What is Rayaldee (calcifediol) used for?

How Rayaldee (calcifediol) works

Rayaldee (calcifediol) is a vitamin D analog, meaning it works like vitamin D. It binds to vitamin D receptors in your body, helping you absorb more calcium and phosphorus. When you absorb more calcium and phosphorus, your body makes less parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Are you looking for information on calcitriol (Rocaltrol) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRayaldee
Drug ClassVitamin D analog
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$1506.08(save 21.77%)
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$1178.21
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What are the side effects of Rayaldee (calcifediol)?

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

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

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 Rayaldee (calcifediol)

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Pros

FDA approved specifically for people with stage 3 or 4 CKD

Taken by mouth once per day

Extended-release capsule provides consistent vitamin D levels

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Cons

Available by prescription only

Requires regular blood tests

Interacts with many commonly used medications

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rayaldee (calcifediol)

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  • Write down your appointments to see your prescriber and to get blood tests while taking Rayaldee (calcifediol). These tests will check your calcium, vitamin D, and PTH levels to see how well the medication is working and if your dose needs to be adjusted.

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

      • Take Rayaldee (calcifediol) at bedtime and swallow the capsules whole. Don't break, crush, or chew them. These capsules are extended-release, which means they release the medication slowly over time. Damaging the capsule can change how the medication works and raise your risk of side effects.

        • If you miss a dose of Rayaldee (calcifediol), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at bedtime as scheduled. Don't take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

          • Rayaldee (calcifediol) can raise your calcium levels, causing symptoms like tiredness, trouble thinking, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, and frequent urination. Let your prescriber know right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Very high calcium levels might need emergency medical care.

            • It’s not known if Rayaldee (calcifediol) passes into breast milk, affects milk production, or impacts a breastfed baby. So to be safe, watch your baby for signs of high calcium like vomiting, constipation, or seizures if you're breastfeeding. Discuss with your prescriber the benefits and risks of breastfeeding with this medication.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Rayaldee (calcifediol)

              How long does it take for Rayaldee (calcifediol) to work?
              Rayaldee (calcifediol) works gradually over time. In clinical studies, some people had lower PTH levels within a few weeks. By 6 months, about half of the people notice a bigger improvement, but it can take up to a year to see the full effects. Make sure to take Rayaldee (calcifediol) every day as directed, get your blood tests done, and follow up regularly with your prescriber to track how well this medication is working.
              Can you buy Rayaldee (calcifediol) over the counter?
              No, Rayaldee (calcifediol) is only available by prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP). While there's an over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin D3 analog called cholecalciferol, there are important differences between prescription and OTC forms of vitamin D. These differences include the amount of vitamin D per dose and what each type is approved to treat. Don't take cholecalciferol, or any other type of vitamin D, in place of Rayaldee (calcifediol) unless your HCP specifically says it's okay to do so.
              Is Rayaldee (calcifediol) the same as vitamin D3?
              Not exactly, but they are related. [Rayaldee (calcifediol) and vitamin D3 are different forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is available OTC and is commonly used as a supplement to help raise vitamin D levels. On the other hand, Rayaldee (calcifediol) is a prescription medication specifically FDA approved to lower parathyroid hormone levels in people with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Always follow a healthcare professional's guidance when choosing the appropriate form of vitamin D for your needs.
              Who makes Rayaldee (calcifediol)?
              Rayaldee (calcifediol) is made by OPKO Pharmaceuticals.
              Is Rayaldee (calcifediol) safe in pregnancy?
              Some animal studies suggest that babies born to mothers exposed to Rayaldee (calcifediol) at doses much higher than what humans typically take experienced developmental problems. If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, tell your prescriber. They can talk to you about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Rayaldee (calcifediol)?

              Rayaldee (calcifediol) 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: Taking too much vitamin D | Taking too much calcium | Taking thiazide diuretics

                Rayaldee (calcifediol) can sometimes cause high calcium levels in the blood, which can be serious. High calcium can raise your risk of heart rhythm problems, blood vessel problems, and seizures. The risk is higher if you're also taking high doses of calcium-containing products (e.g., supplements), certain diuretics, or other vitamin D products. For this reason, don't take additional vitamin D- or calcium-containing supplements unless your prescriber says it's safe.

                To check your calcium levels, you'll need regular blood tests, especially at the start of treatment or when your dose changes. Eventually these tests are done every 3 months. Your prescriber might adjust your Rayaldee (calcifediol) dose depending on these levels. Let them know if you notice symptoms of high calcium like tiredness, trouble thinking, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and muscle weakness.

                risk-warning

                Risk of digoxin build up

                • Risk factors: Taking digoxin

                  If you're taking Rayaldee (calcifediol) along with digoxin, high calcium levels in your blood can raise your risk of digitalis toxicity, a condition caused by the build-up of digoxin in your body. Your prescriber will monitor your calcium levels and watch for signs of this condition. Be sure to let them know if you experience symptoms like confusion, irregular heartbeat, nausea, or vision changes.

                  risk-warning

                  Bone problems

                  It's possible for Rayaldee (calcifediol) to lower your PTH levels too much. This can cause your bones to weaken, which raises your risk of fractures. Your prescriber will check your PTH levels closely through blood tests and adjust your dose to keep your levels in a healthy range.

                  dosage

                  Rayaldee (calcifediol) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 30 capsules of 30mcg of Rayaldee (calcifediol) is $1178.21 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 21.77% off the average retail price of $1506.08.
                  capsule
                  Capsule
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  30mcg30 capsules$1178.21$39.27

                  Typical dosing for Rayaldee (calcifediol)

                  The typical starting dose is 30 mcg by mouth once a day at bedtime. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on your vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels in your blood.

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                  How much does Rayaldee (calcifediol) cost?

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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Rayaldee (calcifediol)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rayaldee (calcifediol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Rayaldee (calcifediol)
                  Used for:
                  $1178.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • Prevention and treatment of high parathyroid hormone levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3, 4, or 5

                  $79.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  $13.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Rayaldee (calcifediol) images

                  White 0 30 - Rayaldee 30mcg Extended-Release Capsule
                  This medicine is White Capsule Imprinted With "0 30".White 0 30 - Rayaldee 30mcg Extended-Release Capsule

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American Kidney Fund. (2024). High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia).

                  American Society of Hematology. (n.d.). Anemia.

                  George, C., et al. (2023). Hyperuricemia. StatPearls.

                  View All References (8)

                  MedlinePlus. (2023). Calcium blood test.

                  MedlinePlus. (2023). Digitalis toxicity.

                  National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Phosphorus: Fact sheet for consumers.

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

                  National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

                  OPKO Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2024). Rayaldee- calcifediol capsule, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Sprague, S. M., et al. (2016). Use of extended-release calcifediol to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in stages 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease. American Journal of Nephrology.

                  You and Your Hormones. (2020). Parathyroid hormone.

                  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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