Buy Generic Alfacalcidol Online
|
|
Generic Alfacalcidol 0.25mg
Package | Price | Per Cap | Shipping | Order | |
0.25mg x 30 caps | $45.63 | $1.52 | Add to Cart | ||
0.25mg x 60 caps | $65.27 | $1.09 | Add to Cart | ||
0.25mg x 90 caps | $77.92 | $0.87 | Add to Cart | ||
0.25mg x 120 caps | $93.24 | $0.78 | Add to Cart | ||
0.25mg x 180 caps | $123.88 | $0.69 | Add to Cart |
Generic Alfacalcidol 0.5mg
Package | Price | Per Cap | Shipping | Order | |
0.5mg x 30 caps | $48.79 | $1.63 | Add to Cart | ||
0.5mg x 60 caps | $69.93 | $1.17 | Add to Cart | ||
0.5mg x 90 caps | $93.91 | $1.04 | Add to Cart | ||
0.5mg x 120 caps | $114.55 | $0.95 | Add to Cart | ||
0.5mg x 180 caps | $155.84 | $0.87 | Add to Cart |
Generic Alfacalcidol Information
Introduction
Alfacalcidol (1‑alpha‑hydroxyvitamin D₃) is a synthetic analogue of vitamin D used to correct calcium and phosphate metabolism disorders. In the United Kingdom it is prescribed for conditions such as chronic kidney disease‑related bone disease, hypoparathyroidism, and certain forms of rickets. The active compound is Alfacalcidol; the medication is classified under the General health group. Although its primary purpose is to manage mineral homeostasis, clinicians also use it to lower the risk of fractures in patients with severe renal osteodystrophy.
What is Alfacalcidol?
Alfacalcidol is the generic version of the original brand One‑Alpha, containing the same active compound Alfacalcidol. It is a pro‑drug that requires hepatic 25‑hydroxylation to become the active hormone calcitriol (1,25‑dihydroxyvitamin D₃). The drug is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical firms, with the most common suppliers holding a UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) licence for distribution. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.
How Alfacalcidol Works
Alfacalcidol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and transported to the liver, where it is converted to calcitriol, the biologically active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in target cells, primarily in the intestine, bone, and kidney. This interaction increases transcription of calcium‑binding proteins, enhancing intestinal calcium absorption and promoting bone mineralisation. In the kidney, calcitriol reduces parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, helping to correct secondary hyperparathyroidism common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The onset of biochemical effect is typically observed within 24‑48 hours, while the biological half‑life of calcitriol is about 15 hours; Alfacalcidol therefore provides a steady supply of active hormone with once‑daily dosing in most regimens.
Conditions Treated with Alfacalcidol
- Chronic Kidney Disease–Related Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD‑MBD): CKD reduces renal 1‑α‑hydroxylase activity, leading to low calcitriol levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Alfacalcidol restores active vitamin D, improves serum calcium, suppresses PTH, and attenuates bone turnover.
- Hypoparathyroidism: Inadequate PTH leads to hypocalcaemia; Alfacalcidol increases calcium absorption, reducing the need for high oral calcium supplements.
- Renal Osteodystrophy: By correcting mineral imbalance, Alfacalcidol reduces bone pain and the incidence of low‑impact fractures.
- Rickets in Adults (e.g., vitamin D‑dependent rickets type 1): Alfacalcidol bypasses the defective 1‑α‑hydroxylase step, directly providing the active hormone.
In the UK, CKD prevalence is rising, affecting roughly 6 % of adults over 65, making Alfacalcidol an important therapeutic tool for nephrology services.
Who is Alfacalcidol For?
Alfacalcidol is suitable for adult patients who require an active vitamin D analogue because of impaired endogenous conversion or increased demand for calcium regulation. Typical candidates include:
- Adults with stage 3–5 CKD not on dialysis, especially when serum PTH is elevated.
- Individuals diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism after thyroid or parathyroid surgery.
- Patients with documented vitamin D‑dependent rickets type 1 or severe osteomalacia unresponsive to cholecalciferol.
- Those at high risk of fracture due to renal osteodystrophy, when conventional calcium and vitamin D supplementation are insufficient.
Contra‑indications or cautionary use apply to patients with hypercalcaemia, active granulomatous disease (e.g., sarcoidosis), severe liver impairment, or known hypersensitivity to the drug’s excipients. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Alfacalcidol under specialist supervision because excess vitamin D can affect fetal calcium metabolism.
Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions
Common
- Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset.
- Transient headache.
- Mild hypercalcaemia manifesting as increased thirst or occasional muscle cramps.
Rare
- Hyperphosphataemia leading to ectopic calcification.
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase suggesting accelerated bone turnover.
- Dermatological reactions such as rash or pruritus.
Serious
- Severe hypercalcaemia with symptoms of confusion, arrhythmia, or renal failure.
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) due to prolonged high calcium levels.
- Acute pancreatitis triggered by calcium excess.
Drug‑Drug Interactions
- Calcium‑containing antacids or supplements: May amplify hypercalcaemia; dose timing should be staggered.
- Thiazide diuretics: Reduce renal calcium excretion, increasing hypercalcaemia risk.
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Can potentiate calcium loss; monitor electrolytes.
- Corticosteroids: May blunt the drug’s effect on calcium absorption; dosage adjustments may be required.
- Phosphate binders: May affect serum phosphate balance; monitor both calcium and phosphate.
Patients should disclose all medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their prescriber.
Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose
- Standard dosing: Adults with CKD typically start at .5 µg once daily, titrated to 1–2 µg based on serum calcium, phosphate, and PTH levels. Hypoparathyroidism dosing often begins at .25 µg daily, with adjustments aimed at maintaining calcium within the low‑normal range. Exact dosing must be individualised by a specialist.
- Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
- Overdose: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, polyuria, and confusion. Seek urgent medical attention; treatment involves intravenous hydration, diuretics, and, in severe cases, bisphosphonates to lower calcium.
Practical precautions – Alfacalcidol can be taken with or without food; however, high‑fat meals may marginally improve absorption. Alcohol excess should be avoided as it can aggravate liver metabolism. Patients with liver disease may require lower initial doses and closer monitoring.
Buying Alfacalcidol from Our Online Pharmacy
Alfacalcidol can be purchased from our online pharmacy in UK with a streamlined, discreet service. Key advantages include:
- Affordable pricing: We source the generic product near manufacturer cost, passing savings directly to you.
- Verified quality: All stock originates from MHRA‑licensed overseas suppliers who meet stringent European Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
- Guaranteed delivery: Options include express shipping (delivery within 7 days) and regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks). All packages are discreetly labelled and tracked.
- Online‑only access: Our pharmacy broker service partners with licensed international pharmacies, enabling you to obtain medications that may be scarce or unavailable through conventional UK pharmacies.
- Privacy‑focused: We respect patient confidentiality; personal details are encrypted and only used for order fulfilment.
This model provides a safe, cost‑effective alternative for patients who face limited access, high co‑payment, or insurance restrictions.
FAQ
-
Is Alfacalcidol regulated by the MHRA in the UK?
Yes, the active ingredient Alfacalcidol is subject to MHRA regulation for safety, quality, and efficacy. Only licences granted by the MHRA allow legal distribution within the UK market. -
Can Alfacalcidol be stored in a refrigerator?
No, the medication should be kept at controlled room temperature (15‑25 °C). Refrigeration is unnecessary and may cause condensation, potentially affecting tablet integrity. -
What does the tablet of Alfacalcidol look like?
Generic Alfacalcidol tablets are typically white or off‑white round or oval tablets, imprinted with the dosage strength (e.g., “.5 µg”) and the manufacturer’s batch code. Inactive ingredients often include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. -
Are there any restrictions on importing Alfacalcidol for personal use?
Personal import of prescription‑only medicines into the UK is permitted under the Human Medicines Regulations, provided the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply and a valid prescription from a qualified prescriber is available. -
How does Alfacalcidol differ from calcitriol?
Alfacalcidol is a pro‑drug requiring hepatic conversion to calcitriol, whereas calcitriol is the fully active form administered directly. This difference allows Alfacalcidol to bypass renal 1‑α‑hydroxylase deficiency while maintaining a similar pharmacodynamic profile. -
Will Alfacalcidol interfere with vitamin D blood tests?
Yes, because Alfacalcidol is converted to calcitriol, serum 1,25‑dihydroxyvitamin D levels may rise, potentially confounding interpretation of vitamin D status if the test does not differentiate between endogenous and exogenous sources. -
Is it safe to travel internationally with Alfacalcidol?
Yes, provided the medication remains in its original packaging, is stored at room temperature, and you carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's note. Some countries require documentation for import of hormone‑related drugs. -
Do dietary calcium supplements need to be stopped while taking Alfacalcidol?
Not necessarily; calcium supplements are often co‑prescribed to achieve target serum calcium. However, total calcium intake should be monitored to avoid hypercalcaemia, especially when higher doses of Alfacalcidol are used. -
What are the differences in formulation between EU and non‑EU Alfacalcidol products?
EU‑licensed products must comply with the European Pharmacopoeia, which mandates specific limits on excipients and impurity profiles. Non‑EU versions may contain alternative fillers or binders, but therapeutic equivalence is required for regulatory approval. -
Can Alfacalcidol cause a false‑positive result on drug screening tests?
Alfacalcidol is not known to interfere with standard occupational or forensic drug screens, as it is a vitamin analogue rather than a controlled substance.
Glossary
- 1‑Alpha‑Hydroxyvitamin D₃
- The chemical name for Alfacalcidol; a synthetic precursor that is converted to the active hormone calcitriol after hepatic processing.
- Hypercalcaemia
- A condition where serum calcium exceeds the normal upper limit (≈2.6 mmol/L), potentially leading to neurological and cardiac complications.
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
- Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone in response to chronic low calcium levels, commonly seen in chronic kidney disease.
- Therapeutic Window
- The range of drug concentrations that provides clinical benefit without causing unacceptable toxicity.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided about Alfacalcidol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Alfacalcidol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.