One-alpha contains a chemical called Alphacalcidol, a type of Vitamin D. The medicine increases the levels of Vitamin D in the patients, which helps control the levels of calcium and phosphates in the body. These two minerals are necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth.
One-alpha is prescribed to patients who are at risk of developing low levels of calcium in the body. It is used to treat changes in the bones caused by low calcium levels, this may include older people, patients with chronic kidney problems, patients with poor dietary intake of calcium and patients with hypoparathyroidoism.
Do not take the medicine if you are allergic to Alphacalcidol or any other ingredient contained in the medicine. You must inform the doctor if you have kidney problems such as kidney stones, if you are taking any medicines to treat problems related to the heart, especially if you are taking cardiac glycoside such as Digoxin or other medications such as Barbiturates, Anticonvulsants, Diuretics and Cholestyramine, these might interfere with the action of One-alpha.
The GP may ask you to take regular blood tests following the treatment with One-alpha, to periodically check the levels of calcium and phosphates in your blood. This is important for children, patients with kidney problems and those who are prescribed high doses of the medication.
In the case of women, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you are planning a pregnancy in the near future.
There are some side effects associated with the use of One-alpha. However, not all patients experience them.
Some patients may develop itchy skin, hives and rashes following the use of the medicine. These side effects tend to go away with time. However, consult the GP in case the symptoms persist or worsen. In case you experience difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face or throat or severe skin rash, get medical attention immediately.
Excess consumption of the medicine may increase the levels of calcium and phosphates in the blood substantially, making you feel sick, constipated, thirsty and weak, with an urge to pass urine more often and pain in the muscles or bones.
Consult the doctor if you develop kidney problems following the use of the medicine. Some of the symptoms associated with kidney problems include swelling in any part of the body, fever with pain in your side and urge to pass urine less often.
Always take the medicine in the dosage prescribed by the GP. Consult the GP or pharmacist in case of any queries, doubts or concerns.
For adults, the starting dose is usually 1mg per day. You may be asked to take 1 brown capsule, 2 red capsules or 4 white capsules. Patients are usually asked to take between 1 and 3 micrograms each day. The GP may decide to reduce the dosage of the patients who show signs of improvement after starting the course of treatment with One-alpha. You may be asked to undergo blood tests regularly so that the GP is able to monitor the effectiveness of the medicine. In case there is no improvement or if the levels of calcium continue to be really low, the GP may ask you to increase the dosage. You may also be prescribed another calcium supplement to support One-alpha.
In the case of the elderly, the usual dosage is 0.5 mg per day and in the case of children and infants, the dosage depends on their weight.
If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dosage, stop taking the medicine immediately and tell the doctor straight away. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue to follow the usual schedule for the next dose.
One-alpha contains an active ingredient called Alphacalcidol, which is a form of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is naturally obtained from sunlights on the skin or from foods such as oily fish and milk products. The vitamin is converted into a hormone that controls the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gut. Alphacalcidol works by increasing the absorption of calcium and suppresses the secretion of the parathyroid hormones. Alphacalcidol specifically helps in hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, osteodystrophy (changes in bones due to kidney failure), rickets, osteomalacia and hypocalcaemia.
One-alpha contains sesame oil as one of the ingredients. It may rarely give you an allergic reaction.
Do not store the medicine above 25ºCelsius. This might hamper the effectiveness of the medicine. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children.
