Facal D 1mcg Tablets

Alfacalcidol is a vitamin D analogue. The body quickly turns it into active vitamin D, which raises calcium and phosphate levels in the blood and helps keep bones healthy.

It is used for:

• bone changes caused by kidney failure
• parathyroid gland problems that affect blood calcium
• low blood calcium in newborn babies
• soft or misshapen bones caused by low calcium (rickets or osteomalacia)

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Your dose depends on your blood test results and may change over time.

• Keep all blood test appointments. Calcium and other levels are usually checked often at first.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then carry on as normal.
• If you take too much, contact your doctor straight away.

Side effects include:

• stomach pain or discomfort
• rash and itching
• less often, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, feeling sick, muscle pain or tiredness

Contact your doctor straight away if you have signs of too much calcium, such as:

• feeling very thirsty or peeing more often
• weakness, bone or muscle pain, tiredness or sleepiness
• feeling or being sick, constipation or loss of appetite
• headache, confusion or heavy sweating

Get urgent help for swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing or a severe rash.

Do not take it if you have high blood calcium or calcium deposits in your body tissues.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have kidney problems or kidney stones
• have sarcoidosis or other granuloma conditions
• take anti-seizure medicines such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, digoxin, thiazide water tablets, calcium or other vitamin D products, colestyramine, or medicines containing magnesium or aluminium (such as some antacids)

Some capsules contain sesame oil, and some drops contain alcohol.

Capsules: do not store above 25°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.

Blood tests: calcium can rise too high, especially in children, people with kidney problems or those on higher doses, so regular blood tests are essential.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor for advice before taking it.

Driving: it usually has little effect, but do not drive if you feel dizzy.