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What is the most important information I should know about dihydrotachysterol ?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Vitamin D is stored up in the body rather than passed in the urine like some other vitamins. Do not take more than the recommended dose, or your body could build up dangerously high levels of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D poisoning. Vitamin D is also taken in when you eat certain foods, which can add to the total amount in your body when you are taking dihydrotachysterol.

Symptoms of a dihydrotachysterol overdose may come on slowly. Early overdose symptoms may include bone pain, bowel problems, dry mouth, ongoing headache, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and unusual weakness. Late signs of overdose include high fever, cloudy urine, mood changes, uneven heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.

Dihydrotachysterol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the 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.

While you are taking dihydrotachysterol, avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium (such as Milk of Magnesia) or calcium (such as Rolaids Soft Chew, Maalox Quick Dissolve, Alka-Mints, Fast Acting Mylanta, and others).

What is dihydrotachysterol?

Dihydrotachysterol is a form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed by the body to keep your bones and teeth healthy. It also helps your body absorb and use calcium more efficiently to help protect bones and teeth.

Dihydrotachysterol is used to treat hypocalcemia (lack of calcium in the blood) and hypoparathyroidism (lack of parathyroid hormone in the body).

Dihydrotachysterol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dihydrotachysterol?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;

• circulation problems;

• kidney disease; or

• sarcoidosis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use dihydrotachysterol , or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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. It is not known whether dihydrotachysterol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.