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Zemplar

Paricalcitol · Capsule, Liquid Filled

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Zemplar
Generic name
Paricalcitol
Dosage form
Capsule, Liquid Filled
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
AbbVie Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
77% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Paricalcitol 1 ug/1 200321 View
Paricalcitol 2 ug/1 200321 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule, Liquid Filled
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Ergocalciferols [CS] CS All 12 members
Vitamin D Analog [EPC] EPC All 10 members
Vitamin D2 Analog [EPC] EPC 8 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
021606
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
May 26, 2005
Sponsor
ABBVIE
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
13
Products approved under application 021606.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
021606-001 ZEMPLAR CAPSULE PARICALCITOL Discontinued AB RLD
021606-002 ZEMPLAR CAPSULE PARICALCITOL Discontinued AB RLD
021606-003 ZEMPLAR CAPSULE PARICALCITOL Discontinued — RLD

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 021606.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 17 Efficacy Approved October 18, 2016 Standard
Supplement 16 Efficacy Approved October 18, 2016 Standard
Supplement 15 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 18, 2015 Standard
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved August 29, 2014 Standard
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved August 29, 2014 Standard
Supplement 13 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 17, 2013 Standard
Supplement 10 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 28, 2012 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved April 6, 2011 Unknown
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved June 11, 2010 Standard
Supplement 4 Efficacy Approved June 29, 2009 Unknown
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 18, 2008 N/A
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 17, 2007 N/A
Original application 1 Type 3 - New Dosage Form Approved May 26, 2005 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · February 22, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · February 22, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · October 20, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · October 20, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 3, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · September 3, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · September 3, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · September 3, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · April 19, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · April 11, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · April 7, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · June 15, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · June 14, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · July 7, 2009
  • 0 · Supplement · July 2, 2009
  • 0 · Original application · January 26, 2007
  • 0 · Original application · May 27, 2005
  • 0 · Original application · May 27, 2005

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240807). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240807

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZEMPLAR is a vitamin D analog indicated in adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 3 and 4 ( 1.1 ). CKD Stage 5 in patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis ( 1.2 ). 1.1 Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4 ZEMPLAR capsules are indicated in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages 3 and 4. 1.2 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 ZEMPLAR capsules are indicated in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with CKD Stage 5 in patients on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initial Dosage: CKD Stages 3 and 4 ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Adult: Baseline iPTH ≤ 500 pg/mL 1 mcg orally daily or 2 mcg three times a week* Adult: Baseline iPTH > 500 pg/mL 2 mcg orally daily or 4 mcg three times a week* Pediatric: Ages 10 to 16 years 1 mcg orally three times a week* Dose Titration: CKD Stages 3 and 4 ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Adult: iPTH same, increased or decreased by 60% or iPTH < 60 pg/mL relative to baseline Decrease dose by 1 mcg daily or 2 mcg three times a week* Pediatric: Ages 10 to 16 years Increase each dose by 1 mcg three times a week every 4 weeks or decrease each dose by 1 mcg three times a week at any time based on iPTH, serum calcium and phosphorus levels.* * Not more frequently than every other day when dosing three times a week. Initial Dosage: CKD Stage 5 ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Adult Dose (micrograms) = baseline iPTH (pg/mL) divided by 80. Administer dose orally three times a week.* Pediatric: Ages 10 to 16 years Dose (micrograms) = baseline iPTH (pg/mL) divided by 120. Administer dose orally three times a week.* Dose Titration: CKD Stage 5 ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Adult Dose in micrograms is based on most recent iPTH (pg/mL) divided by 80 with adjustments based on serum calcium and phosphorous levels. Dose three times a week.* Pediatric: Ages 10 to 16 years Increase each dose by 1 mcg three times a week every 4 weeks or decrease each dose by 2 mcg three times a week at any time based on iPTH, serum calcium and phosphorus levels.* * Not more frequently than every other day. CKD Stage 5: To avoid hypercalcemia only treat patients after their baseline serum calcium has been reduced to 9.5 mg/dL or lower ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4 in Adults Administer ZEMPLAR capsules orally once daily or three times a week [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . When dosing three times weekly, do not administer more frequently than every other day. Initial Dose Table 1. Recommended ZEMPLAR Starting Dose Based upon Baseline iPTH Level Baseline iPTH Level Daily Dose Three Times a Week Dose* Less than or equal to 500 pg/mL 1 mcg 2 mcg More than 500 pg/mL 2 mcg 4 mcg * To be administered not more often than every other day Dose Titration Table 2. Recommended ZEMPLAR Dose Titration Base upon iPTH Level Dose Adjustment at 2 to 4 Week Intervals iPTH Level Relative to Baseline ZEMPLAR Capsule Dose Daily Dosage Three Times a Week Dosage* The same, increased or decreased by less than 30% Increase dose by 1 mcg 2 mcg Decreased by more than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 60% Maintain dose - - Decreased by more than 60% or iPTH less than 60 pg/mL Decrease dose by 1 mcg 2 mcg * To be administered not more often than every other day If a patient is taking the lowest dose, 1 mcg, on the daily regimen and a dose reduction is needed, the dose can be decreased to 1 mcg three times a week. If a further dose reduction is required, the drug should be withheld as needed and restarted at a lower dosing frequency. 2.2 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 in Adults Initial Dose Administer the dose of ZEMPLAR capsules orally three times a week, no more frequently than every other day based upon the following formula: Dose (micrograms) = baseline iPTH (pg/mL) divided by 80 Treat patients only after their baseline serum calcium has been adjusted to 9.5 mg/dL or lower to minimize the risk of hypercalcemia [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Dose Titration Individualize the dose of ZEMPLAR based on iPTH, serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Titrate ZEMPLAR dose based on the following formula: Dose (micrograms) = most recent iPTH level (pg/ml) divided by 80 If serum calcium is elevated, the dose should be decreased by 2 to 4 micrograms. As iPTH approaches the target range, small, individualized dose adjustments may be necessary in order to achieve a stable iPTH. In situations where monitoring of iPTH, Ca or P occurs less frequently than once per week, a more modest initial and dose titration ratio (e …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS ZEMPLAR capsules are available as 1 mcg and 2 mcg soft gelatin capsules. 1 mcg: oval, gray capsule imprinted with “ZA” 1 mcg: oval, gray capsule imprinted with the “a” logo and “ZA” 2 mcg: oval, orange-brown capsule imprinted with “ZF” 2 mcg: oval, orange-brown capsule imprinted with the “a” logo and “ZF” Capsules: 1 mcg and 2 mcg ( 3 ).

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ZEMPLAR capsules should not be given to patients with evidence of hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Evidence of hypercalcemia ( 4 ). Evidence of vitamin D toxicity ( 4 ).

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Excessive administration of vitamin D compounds, including ZEMPLAR capsules, can cause over suppression of PTH, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, and adynamic bone disease. Hypercalcemia: Excessive administration of ZEMPLAR capsules can cause over suppression of PTH, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, and adynamic bone disease. Prescription-based doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during ZEMPLAR treatment ( 5.1 ). Digitalis toxicity: Potentiated by hypercalcemia of any cause. Use caution when ZEMPLAR capsules are prescribed concomitantly with digitalis compounds ( 5.2 ). Laboratory tests: Monitor serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and serum or plasma iPTH during initial dosing or following any dose adjustment. ZEMPLAR capsules may increase serum creatinine and therefore decrease the estimated GFR (eGFR) ( 5.3 ). Aluminum overload and toxicity: Avoid excessive use of aluminum containing compounds ( 5.4 ). 5.1 Hypercalcemia Progressive hypercalcemia due to overdosage of vitamin D and its metabolites may be so severe as to require emergency attention [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . Acute hypercalcemia may exacerbate tendencies for cardiac arrhythmias and seizures and may potentiate the action of digitalis. Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to generalized vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Concomitant administration of high doses of calcium-containing preparations or thiazide diuretics with ZEMPLAR may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. High intake of calcium and phosphate concomitant with vitamin D compounds may lead to serum abnormalities requiring more frequent patient monitoring and individualized dose titration. Patients also should be informed about the symptoms of elevated calcium, which include feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss. Prescription-based doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during ZEMPLAR treatment to avoid hypercalcemia. 5.2 Digitalis Toxicity Digitalis toxicity is potentiated by hypercalcemia of any cause. Use caution when ZEMPLAR capsules are prescribed concomitantly with digitalis compounds. 5.3 Laboratory Tests During the initial dosing or following any dose adjustment of medication, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and serum or plasma iPTH should be monitored at least every two weeks for 3 months, then monthly for 3 months, and every 3 months thereafter. In pre-dialysis patients, ZEMPLAR capsules may increase serum creatinine and therefore decrease the estimated GFR (eGFR). Similar effects have also been seen with calcitriol. 5.4 Aluminum Overload and Toxicity Aluminum-containing preparations (e.g., antacids, phosphate binders) should not be administered chronically with ZEMPLAR, as increased blood levels of aluminum and aluminum bone toxicity may occur.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions (> 5% and more frequent than placebo) include diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, vomiting, hypertension, hypersensitivity, nausea, and edema ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience CKD Stages 3 and 4 Adults The safety of ZEMPLAR capsules has been evaluated in three 24-week (approximately six-month), double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical studies involving 220 CKD Stages 3 and 4 patients. Six percent (6%) of ZEMPLAR capsules treated patients and 4% of placebo treated patients discontinued from clinical studies due to an adverse event. Adverse events occurring in the ZEMPLAR capsules group at a frequency of 2% or greater and more frequently than in the placebo group are presented in Table 3: Table 3. Adverse Reactions by Body System Occurring in ≥ 2% of Subjects in the ZEMPLAR-Treated Group of Three, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled CKD Stages 3 and 4 Studies Number (%) of Subjects Adverse Event a ZEMPLAR Capsules (n = 107) Placebo (n = 113) Overall 88 (82%) 86 (76%) Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Vertigo 5 (5%) 0 (0%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal Discomfort 4 (4%) 1 (1%) Constipation 4 (4%) 4 (4%) Diarrhea 7 (7%) 5 (4%) Nausea 6 (6%) 4 (4%) Vomiting 5 (5%) 5 (4%) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Chest Pain 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Edema 6 (6%) 5 (4%) Pain 4 (4%) 4 (4%) Immune System Disorders Hypersensitivity 6 (6%) 2 (2%) Infections and Infestations Fungal Infection 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Gastroenteritis 3 (3%) 3 (3%) Infection 3 (3%) 3 (3%) Sinusitis 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Urinary Tract Infection 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Viral Infection 8 (7%) 8 (7%) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Dehydration 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Arthritis 5 (5%) 0 (0%) Back Pain 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Muscle Spasms 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 5 (5%) 5 (4%) Headache 5 (5%) 5 (4%) Syncope 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Psychiatric Disorders Depression 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 3 (3%) 2 (2%) Oropharyngeal Pain 4 (4%) 0 (0%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Pruritus 3 (3%) 3 (3%) Rash 4 (4%) 1 (1%) Skin Ulcer 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Vascular Disorders Hypertension 7 (7%) 4 (4%) Hypotension 5 (5%) 3 (3%) a. Includes only events more common in the ZEMPLAR treatment group. Additional Adverse Reactions The following additional adverse reactions occurred in 10.2 mg/dL (2.55 mmol/L). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ZEMPLAR capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune System Disorders: Angioedema (including laryngeal edema) Investigations: Blood creatinine increased

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 6 shows the clinically significant drug interactions with ZEMPLAR capsules. Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Paricalcitol CYP3A Inhibitors Clinical Impact Paricalcitol is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Hence, exposure of paricalcitol will increase upon coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors such as but not limited to: boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole. Intervention Dose adjustment of ZEMPLAR capsules may be necessary. Monitor closely for iPTH and serum calcium concentrations, if a patient initiates or discontinues therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Cholestyramine Clinical Impact Drugs that impair intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as cholestyramine, may interfere with the absorption of paricalcitol. Intervention Recommend to take ZEMPLAR capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine (or at as great an interval as possible) to avoid impeding absorption of paricalcitol. Mineral Oil Clinical Impact Mineral oil or other substances that may affect absorption of fat may influence the absorption of paricalcitol. Intervention Recommend to take ZEMPLAR capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking mineral oil (or at as great an interval as possible) to avoid affecting absorption of paricalcitol. Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) will increase the exposure of paricalcitol. Use with caution ( 7 ). Cholestyramine, Mineral Oil: Intestinal absorption of paricalcitol may be reduced if administered simultaneously with cholestyramine or mineral oil. Take ZEMPLAR Capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine or mineral oil ( 7 ).

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended ( 8.2 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data with ZEMPLAR capsules in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with chronic kidney disease in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations] . In animal reproduction studies, slightly increased embryofetal loss was observed in pregnant rats and rabbits administered paricalcitol intravenously during the period of organogenesis at doses 2 and 0.5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Adverse reproductive outcomes were observed at doses that caused maternal toxicity [see Data] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Chronic kidney disease in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for hypertension, spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, and preeclampsia. Chronic kidney disease increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, polyhydramnios, still birth, and low birth weight. Data Animal Data Pregnant rats and rabbits were treated with paricalcitol by once-daily intravenous (IV) injection during the period of organogenesis (in rats, from gestation day (GD) 6 to 17; in rabbits, from GD 6 to 18). Rats were dosed at 0, 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mcg/kg/day and rabbits at 0, 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 mcg/kg/day, representing up to 2 or 0.5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.24 mcg/kg, based on body surface area (mcg/m 2 ). Slightly decreased fetal viability was observed in both studies at the highest doses representing 2 and 0.5 times, respectively, the MRHD in the presence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight and food consumption). Pregnant rats were administered paricalcitol by IV injection three times per week at doses of 0, 0.3, 3.0 or 20.0 mcg/kg/day throughout gestation, parturition and lactation (GD 6 to lactation day (LD) 20) representing exposures up to 13 times the MHRD. A small increase in stillbirths and pup deaths from parturition to LD 4 were observed at the high dose when compared to the control group (9.2% versus 3.3% in controls) at 13 times the MRHD, which occurred at a maternally toxic dose known to cause hypercalcemia in rats. Surviving pups were not adversely affected; body weight gains, developmental landmarks, reflex ontogeny, learning indices, and locomotor activity were all within normal parameters. F1 reproductive capacity was unaffected. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information available on the presence of paricalcitol in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. Studies in rats have shown that paricalcitol and/or its metabolites are present in the milk of lactating rats; however, due to specifies-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not reliably predict drug levels in human milk [see Data] . Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including hypercalcemia in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with ZEMPLAR. Data Following a single oral administration of 20 mcg/kg of radioactive [ 3 H] paricalcitol to lactating rats, the concentrations of total radioactivity was determined. Lower levels of total radioactivity were present in the milk compared to that in the plasma of the dams indicating that low levels of [ 3 H] paricalcitol and/or its metabolites are secreted into milk. Exposure of the pups to [ 3 H] paricalcitol through milk was confirm …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Paricalcitol is a synthetic, biologically active vitamin D 2 analog of calcitriol. Preclinical and in vitro studies have demonstrated that paricalcitol's biological actions are mediated through binding of the VDR, which results in the selective activation of vitamin D responsive pathways. Vitamin D and paricalcitol have been shown to reduce parathyroid hormone levels by inhibiting PTH synthesis and secretion.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Paricalcitol, USP, the active ingredient in ZEMPLAR capsules, is a synthetically manufactured, metabolically active vitamin D analog of calcitriol with modifications to the side chain (D 2 ) and the A (19-nor) ring. ZEMPLAR is available as soft gelatin capsules for oral administration containing 1 microgram or 2 micrograms of paricalcitol. Each capsule also contains medium chain triglycerides, alcohol, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The medium chain triglycerides are fractionated from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. The capsule shell is composed of gelatin, glycerin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red (2 microgram capsules only), iron oxide yellow (2 microgram capsules only), iron oxide black (1 microgram capsules only), and water. Paricalcitol is a white, crystalline powder with the empirical formula of C 27 H 44 O 3 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 416.64. Paricalcitol is chemically designated as 19-nor-1α,3β,25-trihydroxy-9,10-secoergosta-5(Z),7(E),22(E)-triene and has the following structural formula: the following structural formula: Paricalcitol is a white, crystalline powder with the empirical formula of C27H44O3, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 416.64. Paricalcitol is chemically designated as 19-nor-1α,3β,25-trihydroxy-9,10-secoergosta-5(Z),7(E),22(E).

10 OVERDOSAGE Excessive administration of ZEMPLAR capsules can cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia, and over suppression of PTH [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Treatment of Overdosage The treatment of acute overdosage of ZEMPLAR capsules should consist of general supportive measures. If drug ingestion is discovered within a relatively short time, induction of emesis or gastric lavage may be of benefit in preventing further absorption. If the drug has passed through the stomach, 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. Due to the relatively short duration of the pharmacological action of paricalcitol, further measures are probably unnecessary. If persistent and markedly elevated serum calcium levels occur, there are a variety of therapeutic alternatives that may be considered depending on the patient's underlying condition. These include the use of drugs such as phosphates and corticosteroids, as well as measures to induce an appropriate forced diuresis. Paricalcitol is not significantly removed by dialysis.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ZEMPLAR capsules are available as 1 mcg and 2 mcg capsules. The 1 mcg capsule is an oval, gray, soft gelatin capsule supplied and imprinted as follows: Bottles of 30 – NDC 0074-9036-30 (imprinted with “ZA”) Bottles of 30 – NDC 0074-4317-30 (imprinted with the “a” logo and “ZA”) The 2 mcg capsule is an oval, orange-brown, soft gelatin capsule supplied and imprinted as follows: Bottles of 30 – NDC 0074-9037-30 (imprinted with “ZF”) Bottles of 30 – NDC 0074-4314-30 (imprinted with the “a” logo and “ZF”) Storage Store ZEMPLAR capsules at 25°C (77°F). Excursions permitted between 15°- 30°C (59°- 86°F). See USP Controlled Room Temperature.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
14,040
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: PARICALCITOL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class III April 27, 2016 AbbVie Inc. Failed Content Uniformity Specifications Terminated

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0074-9036-30 0074-9036 AbbVie Inc. 30 CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLED in 1 BOTTLE (0074-9036-30) April 20, 2018
0074-9037-30 0074-9037 AbbVie Inc. 30 CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLED in 1 BOTTLE (0074-9037-30) April 20, 2018
0074-9036 0074-9036 AbbVie Inc. — April 20, 2018
0074-9037 0074-9037 AbbVie Inc. — April 20, 2018

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Enforcement FDA Recall records

Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.