DOXERCALCIFEROL

AbsorptionIn healthy volunteers, peak blood levels of 1α,25-(OH) 2 D 2 , the major metabolite of doxercalciferol, are attained at 8 hours after a single intravenous dose of doxercalciferol and at 11 to 12 hours following capsule doses.

EliminationThe mean elimination half-life of 1α,25-(OH) 2 D 2 after an oral dose is approximately 32 to 37 hours with a range of up to 96 hours.

MetabolismDoxercalciferol is activated by CYP 27 in the liver to form 1α,25-(OH) 2 D 2 (major metabolite) and 1α,24-...

14.1 Clinical Studies of Doxercalciferol Capsules in Patients with Stage 3 or 4 CKD The safety and effectiveness of doxercalciferol capsules were evaluated in two clinical studies in 55 patients with Stage 3 or 4 CKD. Eighty-two percent of the patients were male, the average age was 65 years, 51% were Caucasian, 40% African-American, and the average serum intact PTH level at baseline was 195 pg/mL. While levels of 25-(OH) vitamin D were not evaluated at baseline, retrospective assessments of stored serum revealed that the mean ± SD serum 25-(OH) vitamin D was 19 ± 8 ng/mL (range: <5 to 54 ng/m...

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in another section of the label: Hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Adynamic Bone Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions in patients with Stage 3 or 4 CKD (incidence >5%) were infection, urinary tract infection, chest pain, angina pectoris, constipation, dyspepsia, anemia, leucopenia, dehydration, ede...

Doxercalciferol is contraindicated in patients with: Hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Vitamin D toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Known hypersensitivity to doxercalciferol or any of the inactive ingredients of doxercalciferol capsules; serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), ...

Hypercalcemia: Can occur during treatment with doxercalciferol and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. Severe hypercalcemia may require emergency attention. Risk may be increased when used concomitantly with high dose calcium preparations, thiazide diuretics, or vitamin D compounds. Monitor serum calcium prior to initiation and during treatment and adjust dose accordingly. ( 2 , 5.1 ) Digitalis Toxicity: Hypercalcemia increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. In patients using digitali...

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Tables 3 and 4 include clinically significant drug interactions with doxercalciferol.

Table 3Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Doxercalciferol Capsules Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypercalcemia Clinical Impact Concomitant administration of high doses of calcium-containing preparations or other vitamin D compounds may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Thi...