Doxercalciferol, the active ingredient in Hectorol, is a synthetic vitamin D analog that undergoes metabolic activation in vivo to form 1(alpha),25-dihydroxyvitamin D 2 (1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 ), a naturally occurring, biologically active form of Vitamin D 2 . Hectorol is available as soft gelatin capsules containing 2.5 mcg doxercalciferol. Each capsule also contains butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ethanol, and fractionated triglyceride of coconut oil. Gelatin capsule shells contain glycerin, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.

Doxercalciferol is a colorless crystalline compound with a calculated molecular weight of 412.66 and a molecular formula of C 28 H 44 O 2 . It is soluble in oils and organic solvents, but is relatively insoluble in water. Chemically, doxercalciferol is (1(alpha),3(beta),5Z,7E,22E)-9,10-secoergosta-5,7, 10(19)22-tetraene-1,3-diol and has the following structural formula:

images/10/86903001.jpg

Other names frequently used for doxercalciferol are 1(alpha)-OH-D 2 , 1(alpha)-hydroxyvitamin D 2 , and 1(alpha)-hydroxyergocalciferol.

Vitamin D levels in humans depend on two sources: (1) exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) and (2) dietary intake of either vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol) or vitamin D 3 . Vitamin D 2 and vitamin D 3 must be metabolically activated in the liver and the kidney before becoming fully active on target tissues. The initial step in the activation process is the introduction of a hydroxyl group in the side chain at C-25 by the hepatic enzyme, CYP 27 (a vitamin D-25-hydroxylase). The products of this reaction are 25-(OH)D 2 and 25-(OH)D 3 , respectively. Further hydroxylation of these metabolites occurs in the mitochondria of kidney tissue, catalyzed by renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1-(alpha)-hydroxylase to produce 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 , the primary biologically active form of vitamin D 2 , and 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 3 (calcitriol), the biologically active form of vitamin D 3 .

Mechanism of action

Calcitriol (1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 3 ) and 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 regulate blood calcium at levels required for essential body functions. Specifically, the biologically active vitamin D metabolites control the intestinal absorption of dietary calcium, the tubular reabsorption of calcium by the kidney and, in conjunction with parathyroid hormone (PTH), the mobilization of calcium from the skeleton. They act directly on bone cells (osteoblasts) to stimulate skeletal growth, and on the parathyroid glands to suppress PTH synthesis and secretion. These functions are mediated by the interaction of these biologically active metabolites with specific receptor proteins in the various target tissues. In uremic patients, deficient production of biologically active vitamin D metabolites leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism, which contributes to the development of metabolic bone disease in patients with renal failure.

and Metabolism

Doxercalciferol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and activated by CYP 27 in the liver to form 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 (major metabolite) and 1(alpha),24-dihydroxyvitamin D 2 (minor metabolite). Activation of doxercalciferol does not require the involvement of the kidneys.

In healthy volunteers, peak blood levels of 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 , the major metabolite of doxercalciferol, are attained at 11-12 hours after repeated oral doses of 5 to 15 mcg of Hectorol and the mean half-life of 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 elimination is approximately 32 to 37 hours with a range of up to 96 hours. The half-life in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis appears to be similar. Hemodialysis causes a temporary increase in 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 mean concentrations, presumably due to volume contraction. 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 is not removed from blood during hemodialysis.

Clinical Studies

The safety and effectiveness of Hectorol were evaluated in two clinical studies in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis. After randomization to two groups, eligible patients underwent an 8-week washout period during which no vitamin D derivatives were administered to either group. Subsequently, all patients received Hectorol in an open-label fashion for 16 weeks followed by a double-blind period of 8 weeks during which patients received either Hectorol or placebo. The initial dose of Hectorol during the open-label phase was 10 micrograms after each dialysis session (3 times weekly) for a total of 30 mcg per week. The dosage of Hectorol was adjusted as necessary by the investigator in order to achieve intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels within a targeted range of 150 to 300 pg/mL. The maximum dosage was limited to 20 mcg after each dialysis (60 mcg/week). If at any time during the trial iPTH fell below 150 pg/mL, Hectorol was immediately suspended and restarted at a lower dosage the following week.

Results:

Decreases in plasma iPTH from baseline values were calculated, using, as baseline, the average of the last 3 values obtained during the 8-week washout phase and are displayed in the table below.

    iPTH
means ± s.d. (n * )
p Value v. Baseline
p Value v. Placebo
   
Hectorol
Study A Baseline
797.2 ± 443.8 (30)
      n.a. 
      0.97
847.1 ± 765.5 (32)
Week 16
(open-label)
384.3 ± 397.8 (24)
     <.001
      0.72 
526.5 ± 872.2 (29)
      <.001
Week 24
(double-blind)
404.4 ± 262.9 (21)
      <.001
      0.008
672.6 ± 356.9 (24)
      0.70
Study B Baseline
973.9 ± 567.0 (41)
      n.a. 
      0.81
990.4 ± 488.3 (35)
Week 16
(open label)
476.1 ± 444.5 (37)
      <.001
      0.91
485.9 ± 443.4 (32)
      <.001
Week 24
(double-blind)
459.8 ± 443.0 (35)
      <.001
      <.001
871.9 ± 623.6 (30)
      <0.65
* all subjects; last value carried to discontinuation

In both studies, Hectorol treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction from baseline in mean iPTH levels during the open-label period. During the double-blind period (weeks 17 to 24), the reduction in mean iPTH levels was maintained in the Hectorol treatment group compared to a return to near baseline in the placebo group.

In the clinical trials, the values for iPTH varied widely from patient to patient and from week to week for individual patients. The following table shows the numbers of patients within each group who achieved and maintained iPTH levels below 300 pg/mL during the open-label and double-blind phases.

    Number of times iPTH </=300 pg/mL
    Only 1 Only 2 >/= 3
    Hectorol Placebo Hectorol Placebo Hectorol Placebo
Study A Weeks 1-16
(open-label)
2/30 2/32 0/30 0/32 22/30 23/32
Weeks 17-24
(double-blind)
0/24 9/29 3/24 1/29 17/24 5/29
Study B Weeks 1-16
(open-label)
2/41 4/35 1/41 0/35 29/41 21/35
Weeks 17-24
(double-blind)
2/37 6/32 1/37 4/32 26/37 4/32

During the 8-week double-blind phase, more patients achieved and maintained the target range of values for iPTH with Hectorol than with placebo.

Hectorol is indicated for the reduction of elevated iPTH levels in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hectorol should not be given to patients with a tendency towards hypercalcemia or evidence of vitamin D toxicity.

Overdosage of any form of vitamin D is dangerous (see OVERDOSAGE ). Progressive hypercalcemia due to overdosage of vitamin D and its metabolites may be so severe as to require emergency attention. Acute hypercalcemia may exacerbate tendencies to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures and will affect the action of digitalis drugs. Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to generalized vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. The serum calcium times serum phosphorus (Ca X P) product should not be allowed to exceed 70. Radiographic evaluation of suspect anatomical regions may be useful in the early detection of this condition.

Since doxercalciferol is a precursor for 1(alpha),25-(OH) 2 D 2 , a potent metabolite of vitamin D, pharmacologic doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during doxercalciferol treatment to avoid possible additive effects and hypercalcemia.

Oral calcium-based or other non-aluminum containing phosphate binders and a low phosphate diet should be used to control serum phosphorus levels in patients undergoing dialysis. Uncontrolled serum phosphorus exacerbates secondary hyperparathyroidism and can lessen the effectiveness of doxercalciferol in reducing blood PTH levels. After initiating doxercalciferol therapy, the dose of phosphate binders should be decreased to correct persistent mild hypercalcemia (10.6 to 11.2 mg/dL for 3 consecutive determinations) or increased to correct persistent mild hyperphosphatemia (7.0 to 8.0 mg/dL for 3 consecutive determinations).

Magnesium containing antacids and Hectorol should not be used concomitantly in patients on chronic renal dialysis because such use may lead to the development of hypermagnesemia.

PRECAUTIONS

General

The principal adverse effects of treatment with Hectorol are hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and oversuppression of PTH. Prolonged hypercalcemia can lead to calcification of soft tissues, including the heart and arteries, and hyperphosphatemia can exacerbate hyperparathyroidism. Oversuppression of PTH may lead to adynamic bone syndrome. All of these potential adverse effects should be managed by regular patient monitoring and appropriate dosage adjustments. During treatment with Hectorol, patients usually require dose titration, as well as adjustment in co-therapy (i.e., dietary phosphate binders) in order to effect and sustain PTH suppression while maintaining serum calcium and phosphorus within prescribed ranges.

In four adequate and well-controlled studies, the incidence of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia increased during therapy with Hectorol. The observed increases during Hectorol treatment, although occurring at a low rate, underscore the importance of regular safety monitoring of serum calcium and phosphorus levels throughout treatment. Patients with higher pre-treatment serum levels of calcium or phosphorus were more likely to experience hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia. Therefore, Hectorol should not be given to patients with a recent history of hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia, or evidence of vitamin D toxicity.

Information for the Patient

The patient, spouse, or guardian should be informed about compliance with dosage instructions, adherence to instructions about diet, calcium supplementation, and avoidance of the use of nonprescription drugs without prior approval from their physician. Patients should also be carefully informed about the symptoms of hypercalcemia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section).

Laboratory Tests

For dialysis patients, serum or plasma iPTH and serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase should be determined periodically. In the early phase of treatment, iPTH, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus should be determined prior to initiation of Hectorol treatment and weekly thereafter.

Drug Interactions

Cholestyramine has been reported to reduce intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; therefore, it may impair intestinal absorption of doxercalciferol. Magnesium-containing antacids and Hectorol should not be used concomitantly, because such use may lead to the development of hypermagnesemia. (see ) The use of mineral oil or other substances that may affect absorption of fat may influence the absorption and availability of Hectorol. Although not examined specifically, both enzyme inducers (such as glutethimide and phenobarbital) and enzyme inhibitors (such as phenytoin) may affect the 25-hydroxylation of Hectorol and may necessitate dosage adjustments.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of Hectorol have not been conducted. No evidence of genetic toxicity was observed in an in vitro bacterial mutagenicity assay (Ames test) or a mouse lymphoma gene mutation assay. Hectorol caused structural chromatid and chromosome aberrations in an in vitro human lymphocyte clastogenicity assay with metabolic activation. However, Hectorol was negative in an in vivo mouse micronucleus clastogenicity assay. Hectorol had no effect on male or female fertility in rats at oral doses up to 2.5 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the maximum recommended human dose of 60 mcg/week based on mcg/m 2 body surface area).

Use in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits, at doses up to 20 mcg/kg/day and 0.1 mcg/kg/day (approximately 25 times and less than the maximum recommended human dose of 60 mcg/week based on mcg/m 2 body surface area, respectively) have revealed no teratogenic or fetotoxic effects due to Hectorol. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because other vitamin D derivatives are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from doxercalciferol, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of Hectorol in pediatric patients have not been established.

Hepatic Insufficiency

Since patients with hepatic insufficiency may not metabolize Hectorol appropriately, the drug should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function. More frequent monitoring of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels should be done in such individuals.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hectorol has been evaluated for safety in clinical studies in 165 patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis. In two placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter studies, discontinuation of therapy due to any adverse event occurred in 2.9% of 138 patients treated with Hectorol for four to six months (dosage titrated to achieve target iPTH levels, see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY / Clinical Studies ) and in 3.3% of 61 patients treated with placebo for two months. Adverse events occurring in the Hectorol group at a frequency of 2% or greater and more frequently than in the placebo group are presented in the following table:

Adverse Events Reported by >/=2% of Hectorol treated patients and more frequently than placebo
during the double-blind phase of two Clinical Studies
Adverse Event
Hectorol® (n=61)
%
Placebo (n=61)
%
Body as a Whole
3.3 0.0
27.9 18.0
27.9 19.7
6.6 4.9
4.9 3.3
3.3 3.3
4.9 1.6
Nausea/Vomiting
21.3 19.7
Musculo-Skeletal System
4.9 0.0
Metabolic and Nutritional
34.4 21.3
4.9 0.0
11.5 9.8
3.3 0.0
11.5 6.6
Pruritis
8.2 6.6
A patient who reported the same medical term more than once was counted only once for that medical term.

Potential adverse effects of Hectorol are, in general, similar to those encountered with excessive vitamin D intake. The early and late signs and symptoms of vitamin D intoxication associated with hypercalcemia include:

Early

Weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, and metallic taste.

Late

Polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis (calcific), pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), ectopic calcification, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and, rarely, overt psychosis.

OVERDOSAGE

Administration of Hectorol to patients in excess doses can cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, and over-suppression of PTH secretion leading in certain cases to adynamic bone disease. High intake of calcium and phosphate concomitant with Hectorol may lead to similar abnormalities. High levels of calcium in the dialysate bath may contribute to hypercalcemia.

Treatment of Hypercalcemia and Overdosage

General treatment of hypercalcemia (greater than 1 mg/dL above the upper limit of the normal range) consists of immediate suspension of Hectorol therapy, institution of a low calcium diet, and withdrawal of calcium supplements. Serum calcium levels should be determined at least weekly until normocalcemia ensues. Hypercalcemia usually resolves in 2 to 7 days. When serum calcium levels have returned to within normal limits, Hectorol therapy may be reinstituted at a dose that is at least 2.5 mcg lower than prior therapy. Serum calcium levels should be obtained weekly after all dosage changes and during subsequent dosage titration. Persistent or markedly elevated serum calcium levels may be corrected by dialysis against a reduced calcium or calcium-free dialysate.

Treatment of Accidental Overdosage of Doxercalciferol

The treatment of acute accidental overdosage of Hectorol should consist of general supportive measures. If drug ingestion is discovered within a relatively short time (10 minutes), induction of emesis or gastric lavage may be of benefit in preventing further absorption. If drug ingestion is discovered later than 10 minutes post-ingestion, the administration of mineral oil may promote its fecal elimination. Serial serum electrolyte determinations (especially calcium), rate of urinary calcium excretion, and assessment of electrocardiographic abnormalities due to hypercalcemia should be obtained. Such monitoring is critical in patients receiving digitalis. Discontinuation of supplemental calcium and institution of a low calcium diet are also indicated in accidental overdosage. If persistent and markedly elevated serum calcium levels occur, there are a variety of therapeutic alternatives which may be considered. These include the use of drugs such as phosphates and corticosteroids as well as measures to induce diuresis. Also, one may consider dialysis against a calcium-free dialysate.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The optimal dose of Hectorol must be carefully determined for each patient.

The recommended initial dose of Hectorol is 10.0 mcg administered three times weekly at dialysis (approximately every other day). The initial dose should be adjusted, as needed, in order to lower blood iPTH into the range of 150 to 300 pg/mL. The dose may be increased at 8-week intervals by 2.5 mcg if iPTH is not lowered by 50% and fails to reach the target range. The maximum recommended dose of Hectorol is 20 mcg administered three times a week at dialysis for a total of 60 mcg per week. Drug administration should be suspended if iPTH falls below 100 pg/mL and restarted one week later at a dose that is at least 2.5 mcg lower than the last administered dose. During titration, iPTH, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus levels should be obtained weekly. If hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, or a serum calcium times serum phosphorus product greater than 70 is noted, the drug should be immediately suspended until these parameters are appropriately lowered. Then, the drug should be restarted at a dose that is at least 2.5 mcg lower.

Dosing must be individualized and based on iPTH levels with monitoring of serum calcium and serum phosphorus levels. The following is a suggested approach in dose titration:

  Initial Dosing
iPTH Level
Hectoral Dose         
>400 pg/mL
10.0 mcg three times per week at dialysis.
iPTH Level
Hectoral Dose         
Decreased by <50% and
above 300 pg/mL
Increase by 2.5 mcg at eight-week intervals as necessary
150-300 pg/mL
Maintain
<100 pg/mL
Suspend for one week, then resume at a dose that is at least 2.5 mcg lower

HOW SUPPLIED

NDC 64894-825-50

2.5 mcg doxercalciferol in soft gelatin, sunshine yellow, oval capsules, imprinted BCI ; bottles of 50.

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP].