Indications & Uses
Viva-D Injection is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Alfacalcidol helps the gut absorb more calcium and phosphorus. It also helps calcium move out of bone and, possibly, helps the kidneys hold on to calcium. Most patients find that bone pain and muscle weakness start to ease within 2 weeks to 3 months of starting treatment. Poor calcium absorption is usually corrected quickly.
People taking it by mouth every day will often see their plasma alkaline phosphatase and PTH levels begin to fall within 3 months. Plasma calcium can take several months to return to normal. This delay doesn't necessarily mean the medicine isn't working. It may simply mean the body is using the calcium to mineralize bone. PTH levels may fall faster in patients given it as intermittent intravenous therapy, with significant reductions reached within 3 months.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Initial dosing for adults starts at 0.25 mcg per day for the first 2 months, unless hypercalcemia develops. If hypercalcemia occurs, the dose should be cut back to 0.25 mcg every other day. If serum calcium stays below the desired range, the dose may instead be increased in steps of 0.25 mcg/day every 2 months.
Maintenance doses: most patients are maintained on 0.5 mcg/day, though doses as high as 1 mcg/day may be needed to keep serum calcium within the desired range. Serum calcium and phosphate levels should be checked monthly, or more often if hypercalcemia develops. If hypercalcemia develops at any point during treatment, the alfacalcidol dose should be cut by 50%, and all calcium supplements should be stopped until calcium levels return to normal.
Pediatrics: the safety and efficacy of alfacalcidol in children have not been established.
Side Effects
Alfacalcidol can cause a number of side effects. Blood and urine tests may show raised blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, and raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT). Other effects are anorexia, weight loss, polydipsia, hyperthermia, dry mouth and a metallic taste. Effects on the heart and blood pressure include cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension. Eye problems include conjunctivitis, corneal calcification and photophobia. Rhinorrhea can also occur, and overt psychosis has been reported. Headache, somnolence and vertigo are possible. So are diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, nausea and pancreatitis. Pruritus can occur too. Muscle pain, bone pain and ectopic calcification may happen. Other effects are polyuria, nocturia, decreased libido, fatigue and weakness.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Pregnancy, lactation, renal impairment, infants and the elderly all need extra care with alfacalcidol. In patients with renal failure, serum calcium levels should be checked regularly. Use it cautiously if you have had kidney stones, as it can raise calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria). Do not use it if you are hypersensitive to any injection containing propylene glycol.
Contraindications
Alfacalcidol should not be used by anyone who is hypersensitive to the drug, to any ingredient in its formulation (including non-medicinal ingredients), or to any part of the container; the full listing of these can be found under Dosage Forms, Strengths, Composition and Packaging. It is also contraindicated when blood tests show hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, or other evidence of vitamin D overdose.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Alfacalcidol shouldn't be used during pregnancy unless it's clearly needed, since high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in the mother can lead to congenital problems in the baby. Its safety in pregnant women hasn't been established, and animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity, including lower pregnancy rates, smaller litter sizes, and reduced birth weights. Because Alfacalcidol may pass into breast milk, breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store Alfacalcidol below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Viva-D Injection 002 mg
What is Viva-D Injection 002 mg Injection?
Viva-D Injection 002 mg Injection is a medicine that contains Alfacalcidol. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Vitamin in bone formation group of medicines.
What is Viva-D Injection used for?
Viva-D Injection is used for: Calcium Deficiency.
What are the side effects of Viva-D Injection?
Alfacalcidol can cause a number of side effects. Blood and urine tests may show raised blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, and raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT).
Can I take Viva-D Injection during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Alfacalcidol shouldn't be used during pregnancy unless it's clearly needed, since high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in the mother can lead to congenital problems in the baby. Its safety in pregnant women hasn't been established, and animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity, including lower pregnancy rates, smaller litter sizes, and reduced birth weights. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Viva-D Injection?
Store Alfacalcidol below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Viva-D Injection?
Some medicines can interact with Alfacalcidol, for example: Carbamazepine, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Primidone, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Viva-D Injection?
Viva-D Injection is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.