What is ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from
the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Ergocalciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the
parathyroid glands).
Ergocalciferol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D
deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).
Ergocalciferol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or
if you have:
-
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
-
high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
or
-
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb
nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Before taking ergocalciferol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
drugs or dyes, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Ergocalciferol passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. You may also need x-rays. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Ergocalciferol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include other
medications and a special diet. It is very important to follow the medication and diet plan created
for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of
foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Your pharmacist has information about ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking ergocalciferol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side
effect such as:
-
thinking problems, changes in behavior, feeling irritable;
-
urinating more than usual;
-
chest pain, feeling short of breath; or
-
early signs of vitamin D overdose (weakness, metallic taste
in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or
if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have any condition that
makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Before taking ergocalciferol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or dyes, or if
you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side
effects.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea,
vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin,
changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling
unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends.
What other drugs will affect ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?
Before taking ergocalciferol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
sucralfate (Carafate);
-
mineral oil (sometimes taken as a laxative);
-
seizure medication;
-
steroids (prednisone and others);
-
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
-
a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril),
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic),
chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and
others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with ergocalciferol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter
medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not
start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?