{"id":8448,"date":"2021-03-12T09:40:27","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T09:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=8448"},"modified":"2023-01-03T08:17:38","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T08:17:38","slug":"etalpha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/etalpha\/","title":{"rendered":"Etalpha &#8211; Alfacalcidol Uses, Dose And Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Etalpha 2 mcg \/ml\u00a0injection\u00a0Solution\u00a0Alfacalcidol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What Etalpha Is And What It Is Used For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Etalpha is used when the body produces too little vitamin D.\u00a0D\u00a0vitamin\u00a0is necessary for the body to absorb\u00a0calcium.\u00a0Etalpha can normalize calcium levels and counteract the deficiency symptoms (<a href=\"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/diseases\/fatigue-syndrome\/\">fatigue<\/a>, muscle weakness,\u00a0itching\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/diseases\/depression\/\">depression<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Etalpha\u00a0injection\u00a0treats too high parathyroid hormone levels if you suffer from\u00a0kidney failure\u00a0and receive\u00a0dialysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alfacalcidol contained in Etalpha may also be approved for treating other conditions not mentioned in this leaflet.\u00a0Ask your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professionals if you have further questions and always follow their instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What You Need To Know Before You Use Etalpha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Not Use Etalpha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If you are allergic to <strong>Etalpha Alfacalcido <\/strong>or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>If you have too high a calcium level\u00a0in your blood (hypercalcemia).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings And Cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Etalpha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the following diseases, Etalpha should be used with caution. Therefore you should inform your doctor before treatment if you have the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Kidney stone<\/li><li>Arteriosclerosis<\/li><li>Calcification of heart valve or lung tissue<\/li><li>The disease that increases the sensitivity to\u00a0vitamin\u00a0D (e.g.\u00a0sarcoidosis\u00a0).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During treatment with Etalpha, the calcium and phosphate levels\u00a0in the blood\u00a0should be\u00a0checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the following conditions, pay extra attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Suppose you experience <ul><li>Decreased appetite<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Nausea and vomiting<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/diseases\/constipation\/\">Constipation<\/a> or diarrhea<\/li><li>Large amounts of urine<\/li><li>Sweating<\/li><li>Headaches<\/li><li>Strong thirst<\/li><li>High blood pressure<\/li><li>Drowsiness<\/li><li>Dizziness. In that case, you may have elevated calcium levels in your blood.\u00a0In case of these symptoms, you need to talk to your doctor.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>If you have high levels of calcium in your blood caused by vitamin D intake, at the same time, use Etalpha and\u00a0digitalis glycosides\u00a0(heart medicine increases the risk of affecting the heart rhythm).<\/li><li>Suppose you suffer from incomplete or deficient bone tissue formation ( renal osteodystrophy ) or severe renal impairment. You may need to take\u00a0phosphate-binding medicines\u00a0to prevent elevated phosphate levels in your blood\u00a0during treatment with Etalpha.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Medicines Ad Etalpha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Concomitant treatment with agents for the treatment of\u00a0epilepsy\u00a0(\u00a0barbiturate\u00a0s\u00a0phenytoin, primidone, or carbamazepine) may cause the\u00a0dose\u00a0of Etalpha must be increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Etalpha may increase\u00a0magnesium\u00a0uptake, magnesium-containing antacids (preparations that relieve heartburn and acid reflux) should not be used during treatment, as this may lead to elevated magnesium levels in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Concomitant use of other vitamin D-containing preparations, thiazide diuretics or calcium-containing preparations may increase the risk of increased calcium levels in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Etalpha can increase the aluminum content in the blood.\u00a0If you take aluminum-containing preparations simultaneously, your aluminum levels in the blood should be checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Etalpha With Food And Drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Etalpha can be taken independently of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy And Breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Pregnancy<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Limited experience of use during pregnancy.\u00a0Etalpha should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary.\u00a0Elevated blood calcium levels during pregnancy can cause birth defects in the baby.\u00a0Caution should be exercised when treating women of\u00a0childbearing potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Breast-feeding<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Etalpha is excreted in human milk.\u00a0A decision on whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue\/discontinue treatment may be made, considering the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of treatment for the woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Breastfed newborns\/infants to mothers treated with Etalpha should be closely monitored for elevated blood calcium levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving And Using Machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The active substance in Etalpha does not directly affect the ability to drive and use machines.\u00a0As dizziness can be a side effect of the treatment, you should consider this when driving or using machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You are responsible for assessing whether you can drive a motor vehicle or perform work requiring increased attention.\u00a0One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and\u00a0side effects.\u00a0Descriptions of these effects and\u00a0side effects\u00a0can be found in other sections.\u00a0Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance.\u00a0If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Etalpha Contains Ethanol, Sodium And Propylene Glycol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicinal product contains up to 160 mg alcohol (\u00a0ethanol\u00a0) per\u00a0dose\u00a0(2 ml equivalent to 4 micrograms alpha-calcidiol), corresponding to 10% by volume.\u00a0The dose\u00a0of this medicine corresponds to less than 4 ml of beer or 1.7 ml of wine.\u00a0The low amount of alcohol in this medicine does not produce any noticeable effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains less than 1 mmol\u00a0sodium\u00a0(23 mg) per ml, essentially &#8216;sodium-free.&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains 415 mg propylene glycol per ml, equivalent to 20.75 mg\/kg\/day (equivalent to 0.1 micrograms\/kg\/day alfacalcidol).\u00a0If your child is younger than 4 weeks, consult a doctor or pharmacist before using the medicine, especially if the child is taking other medicines that contain propylene glycol or alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How To Use Etalpha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Initially, 1 microgram is given after each\u00a0dialysis, but a maximum of 3 micrograms\/week.\u00a0Dose\u00a0one can then be increased at 1-week intervals by 1 microgram up to a maximum\u00a0dose\u00a0of 12 micrograms\/week or 4 micrograms \/ dialysis.<\/li><li>Injection\u00a0one is given for 30 seconds at the end of\u00a0dialysis\u00a0one.\u00a0Dose\u00a0one is determined based on the level of\u00a0calcium\u00a0in the blood.<\/li><li><strong>Instructions for use<\/strong><ul><li>The solution should be shaken well before use.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If You Take More Etalpha Than You Should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ingested too much medicine or if, e.g.\u00a0a child ingested the medicine by mistake, contact a doctor, hospital or the Poison Information Center (tel. 112) for risk assessment and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If You Forget To Take Etalpha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Do not take a double\u00a0dose\u00a0to make up for a forgotten\u00a0dose.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions about the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Possible Etalpha Alfacalcidol Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine can cause side effects like all medicines,\u00a0although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common\u00a0side effects\u00a0(affects more than 1 user in 100)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Skin reactions include\u00a0<ul><li>Itching\u00a0and rash<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Elevated\u00a0calcium\u00a0and\u00a0phosphate\u00a0levels in the blood and urine<\/li><li>Stomach pain\/discomfort<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Uncommon\u00a0Etalpha Alfacalcidol side effects\u00a0(affects less than 1 in 100 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Confusion<\/li><li>Headache<\/li><li>Diarrhea<\/li><li>Vomiting<\/li><li>Constipation<\/li><li>Nausea<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Weakness<\/li><li>Malaise<\/li><li>Muscle <a href=\"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/diseases\/brain-and-nerves\/pain\/\">aches<\/a><\/li><li>Effects on kidney function and calcification of\u00a0tissues.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Rare\u00a0side effects\u00a0(affecting less than 1 user in 1,000)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Dizziness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms that can be noted in connection with <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Elevated calcium levels in the blood decreased appetite<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Nausea and vomiting<\/li><li>Constipation or diarrhea<\/li><li>Large amounts of urine<\/li><li>Sweating<\/li><li>Headache<\/li><li>Strong thirst<\/li><li>High\u00a0blood pressure<\/li><li>Drowsiness<\/li><li>Dizziness.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience any of the above symptoms, ask your doctor for a check-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reporting of side effects<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you get any side effects.\u00a0This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.\u00a0You can also report side effects directly to the Medical Products Agency,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.lakemedelsverket.se\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.lakemedelsverket.se<\/a>.\u00a0By reporting side effects, you can help increase drug safety information.\u00a0Postal address<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. How To Store Etalpha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.<\/li><li>Store in a refrigerator (2 \u00baC &#8211; 8 \u00baC).<\/li><li>Store in the outer carton.\u00a0Sensitive to light.<\/li><li>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton after EXP.\u00a0The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.\u00a0Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer required.\u00a0These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Contents Of The Packaging And Other Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content Declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is Alpha-calcidiol, 2 micrograms per ml.<\/li><li>The other ingredients are Water for injections, citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate,\u00a0ethanol\u00a0and propylene glycol.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What The Medicine Looks Like And The Contents Of The Pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Solution for\u00a0injection<\/li><li>Clear, colourless solution.<\/li><li>Ampoule\u00a0containing:<ul><li>10&#215;0.5 ml<\/li><li>10&#215;1 ml<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorization Holder And Manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LEO Pharma AB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Box 404<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>201 24 Malm\u00f6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tel.\u00a0040-35 22 00<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Manufacturer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cenexi SAS, 52, rue Marcel et Jacque Gaucher, 94120 Fontenay-sous-Bois, France<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Etalpha is an analog of vitamin D used for human supplementation and as a poultry feed additive. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2205,2200],"tags":[3538,3540,3541,3539,3542,3544,3545,3543,2215,2212],"class_list":["post-8448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-e","category-medicines","tag-alfacalcidol","tag-alfacalcidol-dose","tag-alfacalcidol-side-effects","tag-alfacalcidol-uses","tag-etalpha","tag-etalpha-dose","tag-etalpha-side-effects","tag-etalpha-uses","tag-injection","tag-medicine"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8448"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8448\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43013,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8448\/revisions\/43013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8448"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8448"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}