Vitamin D2 Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
Vitamin D analogs
Forms:
Capsule, oral solution
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
Vitamin D deficiency
Hypoparathyroidism
Familial hypophosphatemia
Bone disorders such as refractory rickets in children
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Vitamin D2 Drug Class
Vitamin D2 (vit-uh-min D2) is a vitamin D analog and dietary supplement.
Vitamin D2 Age Range
Vitamin D2 is approved for use in adults and children.
Vitamin D2 Uses
Vitamin D2 Uses
Vitamin D2 is used to treat vitamin D deficiency and medical conditions such as hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), familial hypophosphatemia (a genetic condition in which there is an inability to breakdown vitamin D in the body, resulting in low phosphate levels, rickets and osteomalacia, i.e., soft bones in children and adults, respectively), and refractory rickets (soft and weak bones in children due to prolonged and severe vitamin D deficiency that does not respond to other treatments).
There may be other uses of vitamin D2—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.
Vitamin D2 Mechanism of Action
Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) is a dietary supplement. It is absorbed by the intestines and converted into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D or calcitriol in the body. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin supplements may be necessary to maintain bone health if dietary intake is inadequate.
Vitamin D2 Doses
There is only a small difference between the therapeutic and toxic doses of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). Increased vitamin D levels above the therapeutic range can be harmful. Therefore, the dose of a vitamin D supplement (vitamin D2) is carefully individualized and given under medical supervision. In addition, you need adequate calcium intake along with taking vitamin D.
Depending on the condition being treated, blood calcium and phosphorus levels are measured at least every 2 weeks and bone x-rays are obtained every month until the condition is stabilized or treated.
The typical ergocalciferol dose is as follows:
- Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 to 200,000 USP units daily
- Hypophosphatemia: Individual dose
- Refractory rickets: 12,000 to 500,000 USP units daily
A child’s dose (for example, a child taking ergocalciferol for refractory rickets) needs to be monitored very carefully, as there is only a small difference between a safe and dangerous dose.
Note: Vitamin D is present in many supplements, including multivitamins. Check the labels of all your vitamins and make sure you are not getting vitamin D from multiple sources.
Vitamin D2 Directions
How To Use Vitamin D2
Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) comes in the form of capsules and liquid medicine to be taken by mouth once daily. Read the label carefully and take vitamin D exactly as advised. Do not change the dose, dosing frequency, or duration of treatment without talking to the prescribing physician.
Swallow the capsules whole without cutting, crushing, or chewing them. Use the dropper or dosing syringe provided to carefully measure the liquid medicine.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of vitamin D2, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store vitamin D2 at room temperature (storage temperature ranges between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in the original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused vitamin D2 should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw vitamin D2 in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded vitamin D2 is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about vitamin D2, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.
Discounted prices for vitamin D2 start at $7.09.
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Vitamin D2 Side Effects
Vitamin D2 Side Effects
Common side effects of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice if they are severe or persist after a few days.
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
Vitamin D2 can also cause more serious side effects. Stop taking the medication and call your doctor without delay or seek emergency medical help if you develop:
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss
- Increased thirst or increased urination
- Body aches or muscle stiffness
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of vitamin D2. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Vitamin D2 Overdose: In case of an overdose of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 or emergency services if a person has collapsed, cannot breathe, has had a seizure, or cannot be awakened. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, loss of weight, muscle stiffness, muscle aches, increased thirst, increased urinary frequency (especially at night), pale skin, confusion, and problems with thinking.
Vitamin D2 Warnings
Vitamin D2 Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Vitamin D2 may cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a vitamin D supplement. Some of the risks of taking vitamin D2 include:
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Precautions Before Starting Vitamin D2
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D2, any of the active or inactive ingredients in vitamin D2 formulations, aspirin, tartrazine food dye, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions between vitamin D2 and your other medicines.
Vitamin D2 may not be right for people with certain medical conditions. Give your doctor a complete medical history. Be sure to mention a medical condition such as high blood levels of calcium or vitamin D in the past, malabsorption syndrome, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast feeding a nursing baby.
Precautions During Use of Vitamin D2
Keep all your medical and lab appointments. Follow the dosing instructions on the prescription label or package label.
Make sure you are taking calcium as recommended by your provider. Too much calcium while on ergocalciferol can result in serious side effects. Not enough calcium can make ergocalciferol ineffective in controlling your condition.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on this medication.
Vitamin D2 Drug Interactions
Other drugs can affect how vitamin D2 works. Possible interactions with a particular drug can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Some of the medications that can have interactions with vitamin D2 include:
- Vitamin D supplements and fortified foods
- Calcium supplements
- Diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide (Diuril), metolazone (Zaroxolyn), and indapamide
Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements.
Vitamin D2 Pros & Cons
Vitamin D2 Pros and Cons
- Vitamin D2 is available over the counter in lower doses and by prescription at higher doses.
- It is taken by mouth and is available in capsule and liquid form.
- You only need to take it once a day.
- It is a plant-based supplement and is therefore suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- Vitamin D2 may not work to increase vitamin D levels as effectively as vitamin D3.
- High doses can cause serious side effects.
- You need to get regular blood tests when taking this supplement.
Vitamin D2 Pharmacist Tips
Vitamin D2 Tips from Pharmacists
Most healthy people get enough dietary vitamin D from dietary sources and fortified foods. Check with your healthcare provider before taking vitamin supplementation.
You can take vitamin D2 at any time of day, with or without food. However, taking it with a meal can make it easier to remember. Try to take the medicine at around the same time every day.
Keep all your laboratory and medical appointments. Your doctor will use the results of blood tests to adjust your dose and decide on the duration of treatment with vitamin D2.
Check the labels of all your dietary supplements to ensure you are not getting vitamin D from multiple sources. High doses can be harmful.]
Check the expiration date on your over-the-counter supplements and discard any expired ones.
Vitamin D2 Rx Savings Tips
Vitamin D2 Rx Savings Tips
Vitamin D2 is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand name. Brand name Drisdol and generic vitamin D2 contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx vitamin D2 coupon can result in big savings on the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Vitamin D2 may be under $7.50 for 12 capsules of the 1,250 mcg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on vitamin D2, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx vitamin D2 discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions or purchase the supplement at the pharmacy counter.
Lowest Price for Vitamin D2 | |
| Brand $13.91 | Generic $7.09 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Vitamin D2 Common Questions
Common Questions about Vitamin D2
How do I know if my vitamin D levels are low?Some of the symptoms of low vitamin D levels include fatigue, sleep problems, depression, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and bone pain. If you suspect a deficiency of vitamin D, make an appointment to see your provider. They can measure blood levels of vitamin D and prescribe supplementation if needed. |
What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are two forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 (also called ergocalciferol) is present in dietary sources and oral supplements. Vitamin D3 (also called cholecalciferol) is made in the skin with sun exposure and obtained from food sources and oral supplements. Vitamin D2 is taken by mouth, usually once daily. Vitamin D3 can be prescribed at higher doses to be taken once weekly. |
Can I take vitamin D2 instead of vitamin D3?No, do not take one form of vitamin D instead of the other. Certain forms are taken once daily, and others are taken once weekly. Make sure you know what your doctor has prescribed and take it at the recommended dose only. |
What are the dietary sources of vitamin D?Food sources that contain vitamin D include oily or fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines), rainbow trout, beef liver, mushrooms, egg yolks, fortified foods (milk, yogurt, margarine, cereal, juice, soybean oil). You can also get vitamin D from dietary supplements. |
How much vitamin D should you take every day?The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D (normal doses needed by healthy individuals to maintain bone health and normal calcium metabolism) is as follows:
The tolerable upper intake level (maximum intake that will not cause harmful health effects) is 4,000 IU daily for adults and children over the age of 9 years. |
What is the price of vitamin D2 without insurance?Without insurance, vitamin D2 can be as high as $34.69, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $7.09 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of vitamin D2 with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on vitamin D2—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for vitamin D2. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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