One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S

Description

About

Vitamins are vital for the body to keep working efficiently and effectively. They play an important role in the production of the body cells, and enzymes, boost our immune system as well as help us absorb essential minerals. Regulation of adequate calcium levels in our body is an interplay between kidney, bones, parathyroid hormones, and mineral levels. In case of disturbance of either one of these factors, calcium balance in the body is lost resulting in too low or too high levels depending on the condition. One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is a supplementary drug used to treat conditions affecting bones such as low levels of blood calcium (Hypocalcemia), changes in Parathyroid hormone which help regulate calcium, osteomalacia related to chronic kidney disease, vitamin D dependent rickets, and some other conditions. One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Alfacalcidol which is similar to naturally produced Vitamin D3, crucial to the absorption and maintenance of calcium levels in our body.

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S works by making up for the functions of 1,25- dihydroxy vitamin D in deficiency states. After activation in the liver, it helps absorb calcium and phosphate from the gut and decreases filtering out of these minerals via kidneys out of the body when its levels are running low. Vitamin D also keeps PTH release in check when calcium levels are steady. Regular monitoring of Vitamin D levels is required to avoid any excess during your treatment. Make sure to stick to the prescribed regimen.

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is available in the form of oral tablets or capsules of 3 different potencies, to be taken through the mouth with water. Do not chew, instead swallow as a whole. In general, the dose is set depending on the deficiency status which may be too low or moderate, in which case it is best adjusted as per individual needs. It may be started on a low dose and increased afterward to match the clinical benefits of the therapy. It is mandatory to regularly check calcium levels at the end of each month and 2 – 3 weeks in case your dose is being adjusted.  The most common side effects observed with One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S are nausea, fatigue, dizziness, itching, etc

Indication

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S can be used to treat the following in patients with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease:

• Osteodystrophy 
• Patients with hypocalcemia
• Secondary Hyperparathyroidism 
• Osteomalacia 
• Vitamin D dependent rickets 

How Does One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S Work

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Alfacalcidol, which helps absorb calcium and phosphate from the gut and decrease the filtering out of calcium via a reabsorption mechanism in the kidneys to regulate the levels. Vitamin D also keeps PTH release in check when calcium levels are steady, preventing its release. 

How To Use One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is available in the form of oral tablets or capsules of 3 different potencies, to be taken through the mouth with water once a day. Make sure to take the correct potency prescribed to you. Do not chew, instead swallow as a whole. In general, the dose is set depending on the deficiency status and kidney function which may be too low or moderate, in which case it is best adjusted as per individual needs. If your levels are not critically low, the treatment is initiated with a low dose and increased afterward to match the clinical benefits of the therapy if required. It is mandatory to regularly check calcium, PTH, and alkaline phosphatase (enzyme associated with calcium absorption in the gut) levels every week in the beginning followed by after a month or 2 – 3 weeks in case your dose is being adjusted. 

During the treatment, the doctor may alter the dosage (either increase or decrease) after a period of a few weeks depending on the patient’s response to treatment and any adverse effects felt by the patient. It is advised that the drug is taken at the same time each day, an alarm or mobile phone application can be placed to remind patients to take One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S at the proper time each day. Take it as per prescription, do not take more than advised since altering the dose against prescription can cause severe side effects.

Dosage

Available Potency and forms of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S 

Tablet or Capsule – 0.25 mcg

Tablet or Capsule – 0.5 mcg

Tablet or Capsule – 1 mcg

Adult Dosage

Chronic Kidney Disease

Starting Dose: 0.25 mcg is commonly prescribed to be ingested once a day, for the first couple of months Maintenance Dose: 0.5 mcg once a day which may be titrated up to 1 mcg

Renal failure (patient undergoing dialysis)

Starting Dose 1 mcg is commonly prescribed to be ingested once a day

Maintenance Dose: 0.25 to 1 mcg once a day 

*Calcium levels are monitored regularly to check if dose adjustment is required. If needed it can be increased in increments of 0.5 mcg over 2 to 4 weeks.

In case the dose needs to be decreased, adjustment is done by decreasing in 0.25 mcg increments throughout a couple of weeks 

Child Dosage

Oral drops are also available for One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S to be used in neonates or younger children but children 12 years and above can be given tablets/capsules.  

Children less than 20 kgs of weight : 0.05 mcg/ kg

Children more than 20 kgs of weight: 0.5 to 1 mcg

Elderly Dosage

The doctor may closely monitor calcium levels in elderly age groups while prescribing One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S. The dose may be adjusted as per need and patients’ response to treatment. 

Starting Dose: 0.5 mcg once a day

Maintenance Dose: 0.25 to 1 mcg, once a day 

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S must always be discussed with your doctor first before starting. Due to scarce scientific data available, it is not advised during pregnancy or if you are trying to conceive due to the risk of abnormalities in the unborn baby. If you are undergoing treatment with One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S and become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately, the doctor may ask you to stop using One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S or prescribe a suitable alternative unless considered necessary. In the case of lactating mothers, please consult your doctor regarding the safety of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S.

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S or any other drug or ingredient
• Pregnancy / Lactating mothers
• Hypercalcemia 
• Hypophosphatemia
• hypermagnesemia
• Hypervitaminosis D
• Calcification in bodily organs

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• Please read the label carefully, since One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S may contain contents that may cause you allergies
• Ensure your calcium levels are low since One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S can increase calcium levels in the blood
• Vitamin D levels in the blood must also be checked a few weeks after starting treatment, or alteration of doses to avoid excess of this mineral called Hypervitaminosis D
• Please get your blood work done regularly to assess PTH, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D levels to check the efficacy of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S particularly at the start of your treatment and when dose adjustment is being done 2 to 4 weeks
• In patients suffering from heart and chronic kidney disease, increased stiffness of blood vessels may occur, called atherosclerosis, hence caution is advised
• You may also be prescribed some calcium supplements or phosphate-binding drugs to maintain a balance of these minerals in your body
• If you also suffer from an autoimmune condition like sarcoidosis, caution is advised since you may be sensitive to vitamin D. Enzyme responsible for activation of vitamin D is in excess, therefore regulation issues may occur

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• Anti-seizure/convulsants like carbamazepine, phenytoin, etc
• Antacids (containing aluminum, magnesium)
• Digoxin 
• Calcium channels blockers like diltiazem 
• Diuretics like thiazide diuretics 
• Cholestyramine 
• Calcitriol 
• Calcifediolol 

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicinesOne-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S has certain side effects which include:

• Stomach problems (such as cramps, nausea, and or diarrhea)
• Headache 
• Itching 
• Heartburn/ indigestion 
• Fatigue 
• Skin rash 

These effects tend to be mild and resolve in a few days of taking One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S.

Rare Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor.

• Hypersensitivity
• Muscular aches 
• Joint pain 
• Calcinosis 
• Pruritus 
• Muscle cramps 
• Weakness 
• Impaired wound healing especially in the jaw
• Confusion 
• Profuse Sweating 
• Hypervitaminosis D (increased thirst, urination, loss of weight, etc.)

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea – Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Heartburn – This can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.
• Skin Rash – This can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Applying a cold compress to the rash helps reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. Antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.

FAQ’S

#1. How To Store One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S?

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#2. What If I Take Too Much Of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S?

. The amount of medication that can result in severe side effects varies from person to person and the dose ingested. An overdose results in slowing down of heart rate and difficulty breathing accompanied by dizziness and fainting spells. Rush to the nearby emergency care.

#3. What If I Miss A Dose Of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#4. How Is One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S Supposed To Be Taken?

One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S is to be ingested whole, without crushing it or splitting the tablets in half. One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S can be ingested with or without food, with a glass of water, once a day.

#5. Can I Take One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S During My Pregnancy?

No, since there is inadequate safety data available regarding One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S, always ask your doctor first.

#6. Is It Safe To Have Painkillers While Taking One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Yes, painkillers can be taken as usual, following a doctor’s prescription. Some drugs are filtered out through or affect the kidneys in which case always ask your doctor. These may include high-dose naproxen, aspirin, and some others.

#7. What Lab Tests Will Be Prescribed While Undergoing Treatment With One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S And How Often?

Patients are advised to have their kidney and liver function tests done periodically along with blood tests to keep a check on serum phosphate, potassium, calcium levels, vitamin D, Alkaline phosphatase, and PTH. these may be repeated every week or at an interval of 2 to 4 weeks as suggested by your doctor.

#8. Is It Safe To Have Antacids For Indigestion Along With One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S?

No, As certain antacids containing magnesium and/or aluminum may interact with the absorption of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S by the body and are therefore advised to ask your doctor first for a suitable medicine or take a minimum of 2 hours before the intake of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S.

#9. Is One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S Safe To Give To Elderly Patients?

 For elderly patients the dosage of the drug may be lower than normal due to decreased kidney function, in such cases, the doctor may prescribe a low dose of the One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S which can be increased or decreased gradually.

#10. What If I Forget To Take The One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S?

It is advised that the drug is taken at the same time each day to have sustained levels in the blood, an alarm can be placed to remind patients to take One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S at the proper time and at least an hour before having any meal. If a patient misses a dose of One-Alpha 1mcg Capsule 10 ‘S, they should take it immediately but if the time for the next dose of the drug is near then it’s beneficial for patients to skip the missed dose and take the tablets as per schedule, doubling of doses has proven to cause severe side effects.

#11. Are there any lifestyle changes that I need to make for my condition?

If you are suffering from osteodystrophy or another bone condition due to kidney disease, try to avoid activities that are likely to cause trauma to your bones both inside and outside your home. Try to incorporate a healthy balanced diet, taking sunbath or sun exposure a few times a week also helps the body make Vitamin D naturally. Some sort of regular exercise is also important, although it should be light in intensity to avoid injuring bones. Avoid phosphates in your diet which are included as additives in food/beverages like cheese, beer, soda/cola, deli meat, processed meat items, pre-cooked/baked items, sardine, etc.