Vigantoletten

Vigantoletten is used to provide an additional supply of vitamin D to the body. It contributes to: the prevention and treatment of rickets in children and osteomalacia (bone decalcification) in adults, the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults where there is an identified risk or malabsorption. Vigantoletten is also recommended for maintenance treatment of osteoporosis (bone loss) in adults.

Vigantoletten contains the active substance cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. Cholecalciferol is the biologically active form of vitamin D and stimulates intestinal absorption of calcium, incorporation of calcium into the bone matrix and mobilisation of calcium from the bones.

Vigantoletten is available in 500 IU and 1000 IU tablets.

The tablets should be taken orally after dispersing them in a teaspoon of water or milk. Vitamin D3 is almost completely absorbed (80%) from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, as long as lipid absorption is normal.

During pregnancy, an adequate intake of vitamin D is necessary, but supplementation with vitamin D should be done on the recommendation of a doctor. It is also advisable to measure vitamin D levels to determine whether there is a vitamin D deficiency and to avoid overdose, which can lead to the following teratogenic risks: delayed physical and mental development, aortic stenosis or hypercalcaemia in newborns. Therefore, vitamin D may be prescribed with caution during pregnancy, if absolutely necessary, after assessing the maternal benefit/potential foetal risk ratio.

Like all medicines, Vigantoletten can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Side effects may occur especially in cases of overdose. This manifests as hypercalcaemia, which can even be severe and persistent, with acute manifestations (cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, psychological symptoms, disturbances of consciousness) or chronic manifestations (polyuria, polydipsia, loss of appetite, weight loss, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, extraosseous calcification).

Adverse reactions to Vigantoletten include: gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea), skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (pruritus, erythema or urticaria), metabolic and nutritional disorders (hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria in case of prolonged administration of high doses). For a complete list of possible side effects, see the package leaflet.

No. Vitamin D supplementation has not been associated with weight gain.

Depending on the manufacturer, there are medicines that contain the same active ingredient but have different trade names. Examples of medicines similar to Vigantoletten are: Vitamin D3, Bonfal, Vigantol Oil or Detrical.

Vigantoletten and Detrical contain the activated form of vitamin D, represented by vitamin D3, and these two supplements have similar indications and modes of action. The choice between the two will be made based on availability, personal preference or doctor's recommendation.

Both Vigantoletten and Alpha D3 are medicines containing vitamin D. The difference between the two is mainly the active substance they contain, which gives them different properties. Vigantoletten contains the active substance cholecalciferol, while Alpha D3 contains alfacalcidol. Cholecalciferol and alfacalcidol are both forms of vitamin D, but they differ in how they are metabolised in the body.

Unlike Vigantoletten, Alpha D3 is a synthetic form of vitamin D that does not require the same two stages of metabolism to become active, resulting in a faster onset of action. However, both forms of vitamin D can be effective in treating vitamin D deficiency and associated conditions, with the choice between the two being made based on availability, personal preference or doctor's recommendation.