Vitamin D Side Effects

Certain drugs (even vitamins and herbs) can have side effects.  Here are some Vitamin D Side Effects:

1.  Vitamin D and cholestyramine and colestipol:  If you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, which prevent bile acid reabsorption, then you shouldn't take vitamin D within an hour before you take these medications or within 6 hours after taking these medications.

2.  Vitamin D and Mineral Oil: Do not take mineral oil within 2 hours (before or after) taking vitamin D.

3.  Vitamin D and verapramil:  Do not take any vitamin D supplements at all if you are taking the drug, verapramil.

4.  Vitamin D and Hyperparathyroidism: If you have hyperparathyroidism, you should not take vitamin D supplements unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

5.  Vitamin D and Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause which is marked by the formation of nodules in the lungs,  liver, lymph glands and salivary glands.  If you have sarcoidosis, you should not take vitamin D supplements unless instructed to do so by your doctor. 

Steroids

Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, which are often prescribed to decrease inflammation, can decrease calcium absorption, which can affect the body's ability to metabolize (use) Vitamin D.

This can contribute to increased bone loss as well as osteoporosis with long-term use.

Other Medications Which can Reduce Vitamin D Absorption: 

orlistat (brand names:  Xenical® and alli™)

cholestyramine (brand names:  Questran®, LoCholest® and Prevalite®)

phenobarbital and phenytoin (brand name:  Dilantin®), which are used to control epileptic seizures, increase the metabolism of Vitamin D in the liver to compounds which are inactive.  When Vitamin D is reduced, this also reduces calcium absorption.

Knowledge of Vitamin D side effects helps people make informed decisions to help prevent contra-indications.  If in doubt, contact your doctor or personal health care provider.

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