Brand Name(s): Calciferol Injection

Generic Name Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2 Injection

What is ergocalciferol injection?

ERGOCALCIFEROL (Calciferol^®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Ergocalciferol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic ergocalciferol injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive ergocalciferol?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
• parathyroid disease
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Ergocalciferol is for injection into muscle or for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with ergocalciferol?

• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
• mineral oil
• vitamin D
• water pills

Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

• antacids
• calcium supplements
• magnesium supplements

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ergocalciferol?

The recommended daily allowance of ergocalciferol does not usually cause any side effects.

Early side effects related to overdose include:

• bone pain
• constipation
• dry mouth
• headache
• metallic taste
• nausea, vomiting
• unusual tiredness, or weakness

Late side effects include:

• increased thirst
• increase in the need to pass urine (especially at night)
• irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure
• loss of appetite
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach pain
• weight loss

What should I watch for while taking ergocalciferol?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements.

Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking ergocalciferol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.