Vitamin D3
(Cholecalciferol)
Raises Vitamin D levels.
Our bottom line
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) works well for vitamin D deficiencies and is available over the counter. It absorbs better than vitamin D2, but it's animal-based so vegetarians and vegans might not want to take it.
- Price before coupon$9.62
- Lowest price with coupon$3.9059% savings
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cholecalciferol)
Upsides
- Available in generic and over the counter.
- Available in oral solution, tablet, and capsules.
- You can take it as a once-a-day or once-a-week medication.
- This version of vitamin D is better absorbed by the body than vitamin D2.
Downsides
- This is an animal-based version of vitamin D, so vegetarians and vegans may not be comfortable with taking this supplement.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a form of Vitamin D. It raises Vitamin D levels in your blood. This in turn raises calcium levels in your blood by helping you absorb more calcium from food in your intestine.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cholecalciferol)
Used for
- Fall prevention
- Osteodystrophy
- Osteoporosis
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$3.20Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free discount$3.90
- Rite AidGet free coupon$4.08
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$4.17
Side effect rates for Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Vitamin D3 for (side effects from overdosage)
- Renal impairment
- Mental retardation
- Calcification of soft tissues
- Bone demineralization
- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Constipation
- Mild acidosis
- Anemia
- Weight loss
Risks and Warnings for Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.People on Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) who take more than the recommended dose can have high calcium in the blood, which can be dangerous in the kidneys. If you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, muscle or joint pain or a bad headache, talk to your doctor. Keep the amount of calcium you eat the same from day to day.
Common concerns from people taking Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?The FDA hasn’t classified this medicine’s effects on unborn babies. Talk with your doctor about this medicine if you’re pregnant or planning on it.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Call your doctor if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, muscle or joint pain, headache or sleepiness.