VITAMIN D3

Presentation

50,000 IU/mL (oil-based solution, 1 mL vial)

Indications

Severe vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L)
Malabsorption syndromes (e.g., celiac, Crohn's, bariatric surgery)
Patients unable to tolerate or absorb oral supplementation
Adjunct in osteoporosis or osteomalacia therapy

Dosage & Frequency (Adult Reference)

Subcutaneous (SC)

50,000 IU (1 mL)
Weekly × 6 weeks
For gradual correction

Maintenance

50,000 IU (1 mL)
Monthly
For long-term prevention in high-risk groups

Monitoring

Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphate, and renal function before and after therapy
Repeat blood test at 8–12 weeks post-loading
Maintain serum 25(OH)D between 75–125 nmol/L

Safety & Precautions

Contraindications:

Hypercalcemia, vitamin D toxicity, severe renal impairment without specialist oversight

Caution:

Sarcoidosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, concurrent calcium supplementation

Adverse effects (rare, usually with overdose):

Hypercalcemia, nausea, renal stones, arrhythmias

Key Clinical Tip:

Large depot doses (≥300,000 IU) provide long coverage but carry a higher risk of toxicity if repeated too soon. Smaller, more frequent doses are often safer and better for monitoring response.

References

STABILITY - Store below 25 °C.1

INCOMPATIBILITY - No information

REFERENCES

Biological Therapies vitamin D3 forte 600,000 IU in 1 mL oily injection. Australian product information. Braeside, Vic: Biological Therapies; 09/02/2022.