VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL)

Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D3 if you:

• Are taking bile acid sequestrants like Welchol (colesevelam), Colestid (colestipol) Locholest, Prevalite (cholestyramine)
• You are taking the weight-loss drug Alli or Xenical (orlistat)

In general, side effects from taking vitamin D3 tend to be rare. Serious side effects of vitamin D3 include but are not limited to:

• Allergic reactions like rash or itching
• Swelling of the face, throat, and tongue
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Changes in heart rhythm including irregular or racing heart beat

Precautions

Not intended for children, pregnant women, or persons with kidney disease, bone disease, malignancies, or calcium disorders except upon the advice of and under the supervision of a physician.

Interactions

It’s always important to share with your doctor and pharmacist all of the medications you are taking.

This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, supplements like vitamins and other dietary supplements (nutritional shakes, protein powders, etc.), herbals, and any illegal or recreational drugs.

You should avoid taking vitamin D3 if you are taking the following drugs:

• Zemplar (paricalcitol)
• Donovex or Sorilux (calcipotriene)
• Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
• Mineral oil
• Alli or Xenical (orlistat)
• Bile acid sequestrants like Welchol (colesevelam), Colestid (colestipol), Locholest or Prevalite (cholestyramine)
• Drugs like Alli or Xenical, or bile acid sequestrants like those listed above, can decrease or prevent your body from absorbing vitamin D and other fat-dependent vitamins, namely vitamins A, E, and K.

You should separate vitamin D from these medications by at least 2 hours or take your vitamin D at bedtime to allow enough time to avoid interactions.

If you suspect an overdose, you should contact an emergency hotline or emergency room immediately.

Available brands:

• Afaxin (Metrodrug)
• Actimed Folic Acid (Actimed)
• AminoVit
• Bee-All
• B-Prime