Vitamin D2, also called ergocalciferol, works by helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus.

Sometimes vitamin D2 is used to help a vitamin D deficiency, though doctors typically recommend vitamin D3 as a first-line therapy.

Vitamin D2 is also given to prevent or treat various bone disorders or medical conditions that cause low levels of calcium or phosphate. Additionally, it’s used as a supplement in babies who breastfeed.

Vitamin D2 is in a class of medicines called vitamin D analogs.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2))?

You should not take ergocalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:

high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease;
kidney disease; or
an electrolyte imbalance.

Certain forms of ergocalciferol may contain ingredients you should know about, such as peanut or soybean oil, sugar, aspartame (phenylalanine), or certain food dyes. Ask a doctor before using ergocalciferol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU).

Too much vitamin D could harm an unborn baby, and your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while taking ergocalciferol.

Ergocalciferol can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give ergocalciferol to a child without medical advice. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2))?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain, feeling short of breath;
growth problems (in a child taking ergocalciferol); or
early signs of vitamin D overdose--weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Too much vitamin D could harm an unborn baby, and your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while taking ergocalciferol.

Ergocalciferol can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2))?

Use Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use only the recommended dose of ergocalciferol.

It may be best to take ergocalciferol after a meal, but you may take this medicine with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You will need frequent medical tests.

Your doctor may begin to reduce your ergocalciferol dose as your condition improves. Carefully follow all instructions about adjusting your dose. In some cases, there may be a very small difference in amount between safe and dangerous doses of this medicine.

Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Ergocalciferol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes dietary changes and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Learn about the foods you should eat to make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your ergocalciferol dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2))?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2))?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, thirst, urinating more or less than usual, body aches, stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)), call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)), call 911

911