My doctor precribed 50,000 iu vitamin d once a week due to vitamin d deficiency. Is this safe to take? Could it be toxic?
Female, age 58. Take flosamax 75 mg and zoloft 100 mg.
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: is 50,000 iu of vitamin d once a week harmful to you - female age 58
Answers (23)
11/ 7/09 1:36pm
Is 50,000 iu of vitamin d once a week safe to take?
10/14/08 10:46am
I hope so because I have been prescribed the same dosage. I am 68 and have kidney disease and diabetes, and have been taking this dosage for about a year, with no adverse effects. I am aware of the concerns about too much vit. D, and have been sensitive to any suspected symptoms such as tingling in the mouth, nausea, abdominal pain.
8/18/09 5:27pm
My doctor just gave me a prescription for 50,000 IU to be taken once per week. When I had my blook tested for Vitamin D the normal range is between 30 - 100 but I ranked at a mere 12. The 50,000 IU per week is not toxic and so far does not have any side effects. I have read that a deficiency in Vitamin D will also make you feel more fatigued and have joint/muscle pain. I am hoping this prescription helps with that.
9/ 2/09 12:49am
I too have just been given a prescription for 50,000 iu's of D 2x a week. I am delighted! I have very low thyroid, high blood pressure, constant fatique, and endless body aches and pains. On my first day of taking the Vit D, my aches and pains are about 50% reduced. So I am very hopeful that it is only going to get better. I only use a suncreen on my face that is in my skin care, and I only use a sunscreen on my body after about being at the beach for some time to avoid a burn. I think it is SO wrong for people to use so much sun screen...it has to be toxic to your body and we need the sunshine to keep us healthy. Living up in the state of WA is a challenge to get sun to keep healthy.
3/26/11 5:22pm
I was just prescribed 50,000 iu three (3) times per week. I've only had one dose so, I can't give any indication of how well it is or will work. But, I'm hopeful. I've seen numerous people on your dosage. I'm not sure why mine is so much more - but, my doctor is only doing it short term (2 months) for now. I'm only 47 but, was suspected of having MS almost 20 years ago. So maybe that has something to do with the difference in dosage amount. I hope you feel better soon.
1/20/11 1:56pm
I was just prescribed 50,000 of d once a week and am so nervous to take it! Seems like so much! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and suffer from so much fatigue and deep muscle pain, maybe it will help. It is good to know that other people have taken the same amount with no adverse effects!
3/30/11 3:25pm
I too was nervous before taking 50,000IU, but it was necessary for me because I had very bad burning muscle pains, especially in the evening when reclining. I couldn't rest, the pains were so bad. My Vit. D was very low and I've been on 50,000IU for probably three years now. At first, I was taking it twice a week - now I'm at once per week and taking D3 supplements every day (I think 1,000IU?). I'm no longer worried because it has worked so well for me with no side effects.
Best of all, my pains are gone and I feel healthier and happier.
2/27/11 7:20pm
I am Having good results from 50,000 iu of vitimin D 2x a week! I work the night shift and dont get any sun. I have had 3 doses so far and feel 100% better then I did. I had all over body aches. I felt 120 years old in the morning. My aches are gone. It,s a miracle.
11/ 5/09 2:30pm
Gosh it is good to hear someone else talk about this vitamin d deficiency issue. i was just diagnosed with that and prscribed 50,000 of vitamin day once a week. I have been living with these symptoms for so long and had on idea what was wrong with me. I m 58 years old also. I truly hopes this helps some of the fatigue and muscle pain that I have been having. Hope it works for you too! Good luck!
11/ 7/09 1:36pm
Is 50,000 iu of vitamin d once a week safe to take?
9/24/10 9:38am
I was just prescribed 50,000 IU of vit 2 x per week and have not started it yet due to concerns of it being toxic (put a call into my MD but have not heard back from her yet). I was taking 2000IU of vit d per day and was nauseas, so was told to cut it back to 1000IU. Then my vitamin D level went down again. I'm concerned this much will make me sick. But hearing everyone elses response makes me feel a bit better. I'll try it and see what happens.
9/24/10 10:06am
About 3 weeks ago, my rheumatologist informed me my Vit D level was 5.2 and explained 30 and up would be a more normal Vit D level. Because of IBS, I was very concerned about taking 50,000 IU once-a-week. I also explained to him I had never had success with over-the-counter vitamins, always a digestive reaction. He said, no, you don't understand, this would be by prescription and he foresaw no problems for me because he felt my body was so low in Vit D my system would absorb it very well. I chose Sundays as my "Vitamin D-Day" LOL and noticed a difference right away and did not encounter any negative response. Was the 2000 IU over-the-counter or by prescription and was it taken with a meal? Same question with the 1000 IU... O-T-C or prescription? The Rheumatologist informed me he wanted to start me at 50,000 IU Vit D once-a-week for 7 weeks. At that point, he is going to order another blood test to see the status of the 50,000 IU dosage on my Vit D level. I am like you, I would be questioning 2X a week of 50,000 IU, too. If your doctor is a Rheumatologist, then I'd feel pretty assured IF the 50,000 IU is by rx-only and not over-the-counter. The doctor did stress the importance of taking the dose right after a comlete meal. Take Care, let us know what happens
2/26/11 12:20am
My oncologist prescribed the 50,000IUs once a week. He is a brilliant doctor so, I did not question this high dose. I took it yesterday and I am amazed at how much better I feel. The fatigue is almost gone and I did 20 minutes of straight excercise on the rebounder which I would never have been able to do before. I am so excited to have the energy to actually lose the 50 lbs I need to lose. I have not had the energy or will to do it before today. I wish I had known about the results of low vitamin d before now. Good luck to all of you that reads this.
10/ 3/10 6:31pm
I am a 27 year old male and I was prescribed 50,000 iu twice a week for fatigue. I have been taking it for three weeks and have noticed a drtamitic increase in mood and energy. I thought my doctor was crazy when she prescribed me vatiamin d, but I figured it was worth a shot. Glad I tried it. Hope it has the same effect for everyone that it had for me.
10/ 5/10 9:37am
I have prescribed Drisdol 50,000 IU (1.25 mg) three times weekly to some people with no problems. Occasionally, some one will get some stomach up set or diarrhea with it, but I have not seen anything worse. Occasionally people get so much energy they have some insomnia when they first start it, but that is very rare. Normal level is 30-100, but 50 and up is thought by many to be the most beneficial. I had one lady that misunderstood the directions and took the Drisdol daily. Her level was about 128 when rechecked, but she had no adverse effects.
10/14/10 9:05am
I am 22/female who has had constant EXTREME fatigue and muscle pain and leg stiffness for the past 6 months..I thought these were symptoms of my hypothyroidism until I went for a checkup last week. My Dr. called back with lab results and put me immediately on 50,000 IU once a week for 8 weeks and then come back for check ups...alongside this, I am supposed to take 1,000 IU Vit D daily...
After I took the first dose of 50,000 IU, I woke up the next morning and was SHOCKED how much easier i was able to carry myself around...my leg pains were there, but the fatigue was noticeably different..and this is only the first week..I'm excited to see what the future weeks will bring..
I read a few comments about people having GI upset with vit D....it is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it should NOT be taken on an empty stomach..(actually vitamins in general should not be taken on an empty stomach)..
Because Vit D is a fat soluble vitamin, it stays in the body longer and is stored in the liver as well...taking 50,000 IU with NORMAL LEVELS of vit D is toxic...however, because we all have a deficiency of it, the 50,000 IU per week will slowly build us up to a normal/higher, healthy vitamin D level in the blood, which is why most dr.'s will ask to do a blood check in 8 weeks or so...
10/21/10 9:48pm
I am excited to hear that I am not alone, I am 35 and just found out from my joint doc that my Vit D is way low so he RX'd me 50,000IU for 12 weeks and then will be rechecked. I am eager to see if some of my symptoms are related to this Vit D loss. Then again, I was born with several spinal diseases and have had 9 surgeries on my spine and it is totally fused along with three hip surgeries for bone grafts. But the kicker is I just found out I have Sjogrens disease which means I must stay OUT of the sun from here on out and then on top of it to find out I have a low Vit D and cant go in the sun is frustrating. Because of the Sjogrens my husband and I are having all the windows in the house replaced with UV protected windows and are putting up tinting as well next week. So I guess I will be taking the Vit D at high doses for a while... Oh, and I am VERY allergic to seafood and shellfish so thats out too. I'm curious to know if the low Vit D accelerated my spinal diseases. My surgeons have always wondered why my spine/bones looked like a 90 year old woman. Who knows how long this has been going on? Hopefully this will slow down my spinal diseases some what. My fingers are crossed.
10/22/10 8:11am
Well Vitamin D helps absorb calcium. If you were very low on Vit D, then your bones were not utilizing the calcium you were consuming (well, only a small amount of Calcium)...so yes, hopefully this should help with calcium absorption.
Hopefully you are not lactose intolerant. Even if you can't get out in the sun or eat seafood, you can drink milk! Milk has plenty of Vit D (whole milk). That's how I've been catching up on my Vit D along with the medications.
Hopefully you'll see changes in the near future :) Good luck!
11/15/10 12:28pm
I am a 64 yr old woman and I have just been told my Vit D level is 22. My doctor
has given me a prescription of 50,000 iu a week I have been very scared to take
that much amount. But after reading all of the remarks and testimonies I am more encouraged to take this. Thank you all so much for if I had not heard from others with the same problem I would probably go buy some Vit D pills and take a lesser dose. I praise God for others that can help others. We all need each other.
1/20/11 6:03pm
I'm 55 and was like ''duh''??? when informed my Vit D was 5.2 when a normal level is considered 30!!! I was JUST like you when told to take 50,000 IU/weekly AFTER A FULL MEAL. I told the Rheumatologist all the reasons I didn't think I could do it: IBS, always have had a problem with over-the-counter vitamins causing me digestive problems...he said ''look, you're so low, it's not going to be an issue for you, you're body needs it so badly it's going to absorb it, all of it". After 8-or-so weeks, was tested again, now it's 21.2 so they put me on another 50,000 IU/once-a-week, then they will test again. His Nurse told me if my levels improve enough, I'll be switched to an over-the-counter form of Vitamin D...that bothers me, like I said, I never have done well with "O-T-C" vitamins. Let us know what happens and I was so grateful too, to stumble across Vitamin D ''people'' like me!!!
We do all need each other.
1/30/11 12:16am
I am 39 and last week dr called back with lab results from physical and advised I am vitamin D deficient. I had gone with complaints of feeling extremely tired, all the time. constant muscle weakness, shakiness, but no pain, other than periodic, severe cramps in toes. I had no idea that this could be the issue. Dr put me on 50,000iu per week x 12 weeks. I see others are only 8 wks. I too am concerned that this is too high, but it appears that this is the standard for vit d treatment. I took the first yesterday. I don't know if it's just mental, but I wasn't expecting any positive result for at least a month..or more likely a negative reaction...but this morning I woke up and felt a warm, relaxed feeling in all my muscles and I felt like I had the best sleep in long time. I usually feel like I'm going to fall asleep if I sit still for even a minute, but I feel sooooo good today! Wow - I hope this is the answer!
11/23/10 2:55am
My doctor prescribed 50,000 IU A DAY. Doctor says it's ok, pharmacist said no way, dangerous. Who to trust?!?! Mine is 21.
1/ 6/11 4:31pm
Well, My Family Doctor put me on 50,000 iu a week of vitamin D. My Oncologist thinks that is way too much. Which before I started taking my vitamin D the pharmacist called and told me to only take one a month. I didn't really notice until this (morning) that the bottle had stated take one pill every week. So, I called to my Doctor's office to see what to do, my Doctor's nurse told me she takes 100,000 iu a week. I would think it would be safe. I do know the first one I took, I feel like I was 10 years younger. I am 64 yrs old, been fighting cancer..since 06, believe me I'm ready to start feel good. So, After taking one 50,000 iu a month. I'm going to start taking 1 a week. I will be back in here to let everyone know how I'm feeling...who knows I might be out dancing, soon LOL...LOL..
1/20/11 6:08pm
I'd say go to another doctor. Seriously. My level was 5.2 and the Rheumatologist placed me on 8-weeks 50,000 IU-once-a-week with strict instructions to TAKE AFTER A FULL MEAL. (So I use it to ''cheat" LOL) and after 8-or-so weeks they retested me and Vit D level rose to 21.2, so I am on another 8-weeks schedule, then they will test again. Don't take 50,000 IU/day. No way. If you feel comfortable with this, ask your doctor if you misunderstood, straight-out. If the doctor still says ''once-a-day'', run, don't walk, to another doctor...it doesn't ''sound'' to me like you saw a Rheumatologist, did you???
Hope to see a follow-up from you and Take Care!
11/30/10 9:29pm
I'm glad to see this question. I'm a 29 M and was diagnosed with a severe vitanim D deficiency (less then 4, which means they couldn't find any). Apparantly, organic milk isn't fortified with vitanim D (whoops--good to know) and since I work indoors, I don't get enough sun to produce my own.
Anyway, I've been on the 50,000 once a week and 1000 MG of Calcium once a day that my Dr. said I needed to take with it (so that my body can absorb the Vitanim D), and I haven't felt as good as I feel now. I have more energy, and hopefully this is helping me with other issues that could be related. I just started my second week today, and have four weeks to go after that.
Also, the calcium I'm taking is fortified with 400 MG Vitanim D, and so far, no adverse reactions with this combo.
1/20/11 6:11pm
Thanks for bringing up the calcium question, I recall the Rheumatologist saying he was going to probably put me on a calcium supplement but he never followed-up ... the weird thing is, I AM lactose-intolerant, don't eat dairy let alone drink milk, yet my calcium levels are normal. I should at least follow-up with him on this issue, and the best to you, thanks for posting very valuable reminder information about the importance of calcium for absorption of Vit D 
2/10/12 8:27am
Thanks for the information. My doc didn't tell me my score only that he put me on 50000mg once week for six months and told to take 1000 daily of vitamin D. Been on it for three weeks now and do not see a difference. I still feel tired and have muscle cramps sometimes. I'll let you know if any thing changes.
1/28/11 12:18am
i have totake 50000mg twice a for8weeks iam 51yrs. old female
1/28/11 12:27am
i would like to know is 50,000mg twice a week for 8 week to much iam 51 years old
1/28/11 10:54pm
Hi, do you mind if I ask how low your Vitamin D level tested? Also, was it a Rheumatologist or Internist that prescribed 50,000 IU of Vitamin D once-a-week to you???
Take Care,
ph
2/16/11 5:47pm
to the 51 yr old. it is way too much for you no matter what condition you are taking it for. it is deadly to the liver and kidneys and immune system. a much lower dose if you really need it at all. get sun and drink no fat milk.
2/20/11 8:16pm
I am a 35 yr old female with MS and my neurologist at John's Hopkins University Hospital just prescribed me a vitamin D regimen of 50,000 iu once a day for 10 days as a "loading dose" then once a week there after for at least 3 months for maintainence but gave me refills for the next year. He plans to recheck levels every 3 months until my levels are well over 50. My vitamin B12 was also very low. Vitamin D is 19 and B12 is in the low normal range so a multivitamin that is OTC was recommended for the B12. I made sure the multivitamin did not contain any more Vitamin D so as to not take any more that the prescription. My last neuro only had me on Vitamin D 600iu OTC for the last 2 yrs. but my levels were quickly decreasing on this regimen so my new neuro at Hopkins chose this way to get my D up. I haven't heard anyone else say they were given the daily "loading dose" to start off the high dose treatment but if you can't trust a neurologist from John's Hopkins, who specializes in Multiple Sclerosis, what Dr. can you trust? Please, any feedback on this extremely high daily dose of Vitamin D would be greatly appreciated!
2/20/11 11:25pm
First, I'm sad to hear the diagnosis of MS. You state "Please, any feedback on this extremely high daily dose of Vitamin D would be greatly appreciated!"
Your Vitamin D level was 19, mine was 5.2. The lowest rate ''they'' want to see is: 30.
Okay, so it's Johns Hopkins. Look, I've been disabled with a diagnosis of FM since 1993. IF YOU DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE LISTEN TO THAT NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE. No, I am not a physician. Just 55-years-old, female, with loooong history of physicians and every single time I did not completely trust the physician I turned out to be correct. Please listen to your concerns and act upon them.
Furthermore, I will straight-out disagree and say it is a warning sign that he already gave you refills for the next year. The refills for the next year were already given to you despite not knowing your response level and according to what you have written you have not even had one blood test yet to follow-up your Vit D level. Do not allow the name of the Institution to intimidate or impress you when it comes to medical care. Instead, it is my recommendation you actually USE the fact it is Johns Hopkins to validate requesting a second opinion from another neurologist AND furthermore I would see an actual Rheumatologist for the Vit D issue...in fact, it could be to your benefit to consult outside of John Hopkins if you would feel more comfortable with that decision. Just ask for an initial consult, I would advise you not to mention Johns Hopkins nor the doctor in-question, in this manner you can relieve the physician(s) you consult with of being placed in a ''judgment'' position by just asking their opinion on the method of Vit D treatment being assigned to your case. I DO NOT AGREE WITH NOT CHECKING YOUR LEVEL UNTIL A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF TIME HAS ELAPSED. THIS IS NOT USUAL TREATMENT. I was placed, at the level of 5.2, on 50,000 IU ONCE-A-WEEK for EIGHT WEEKS and then promptly tested for the new ratio of Vit D (22.1). Do you see what I am saying??? From a once-a-week only dose of 8 my level rose from 5.2 to 22.1: AND I was told once my level is in the normal range, THEN I will be placed probably on an o-t-c dose, but still be periodically monitored. I also do not fundamentally agree with the term ''loading''. I worked for a drug company for many years.
Will you kindly please respond to this posting? I am quite concerned for you and would like to hear back on your decision of choice. I considered the fact you have MS and wondered if for some reason that would somehow justify such a large dose, but after consideration of how carefully Vit D must be prescribed, am very concerned for you. You are not the only individual to ''run into'' situations like this, I have learned myself I am not the only one, it is your life it is your right to advocate for yourself. Please, Take Care.
2/21/11 1:38pm
REPLYING TO: KriGregory
First, I'm sad to hear the diagnosis of MS. You state "Please, any feedback on this extremely high daily dose of Vitamin D would be greatly appreciated!"
Your Vitamin D level was 19, mine was 5.2. The lowest rate ''they'' want to see is: 30.
Okay, so it's Johns Hopkins. Look, I've been disabled with a diagnosis of FM since 1993. IF YOU DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE LISTEN TO THAT NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE. No, I am not a physician. Just 55-years-old, female, with loooong history of physicians and every single time I did not completely trust the physician I turned out to be correct. Please listen to your concerns and act upon them.
Furthermore, I will straight-out disagree and say it is a warning sign that he already gave you refills for the next year. The refills for the next year were already given to you despite not knowing your response level and according to what you have written you have not even had one blood test yet to follow-up your Vit D level. Do not allow the name of the Institution to intimidate or impress you when it comes to medical care. Instead, it is my recommendation you actually USE the fact it is Johns Hopkins to validate requesting a second opinion from another neurologist AND furthermore I would see an actual Rheumatologist for the Vit D issue...in fact, it could be to your benefit to consult outside of John Hopkins if you would feel more comfortable with that decision. Just ask for an initial consult, I would advise you not to mention Johns Hopkins nor the doctor in-question, in this manner you can relieve the physician(s) you consult with of being placed in a ''judgment'' position by just asking their opinion on the method of Vit D treatment being assigned to your case. I DO NOT AGREE WITH NOT CHECKING YOUR LEVEL UNTIL A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF TIME HAS ELAPSED. THIS IS NOT USUAL TREATMENT. I was placed, at the level of 5.2, on 50,000 IU ONCE-A-WEEK for EIGHT WEEKS and then promptly tested for the new ratio of Vit D (22.1). Do you see what I am saying??? From a once-a-week only dose of 8 my level rose from 5.2 to 22.1: AND I was told once my level is in the normal range, THEN I will be placed probably on an o-t-c dose, but still be periodically monitored. I also do not fundamentally agree with the term ''loading''. I worked for a drug company for many years.
Will you kindly please respond to this posting? I am quite concerned for you and would like to hear back on your decision of choice. I considered the fact you have MS and wondered if for some reason that would somehow justify such a large dose, but after consideration of how carefully Vit D must be prescribed, am very concerned for you. You are not the only individual to ''run into'' situations like this, I have learned myself I am not the only one, it is your life it is your right to advocate for yourself. Please, Take Care.
2/21/11 1:34pm
REPLY TO LINDA BONDS: noticed my typo in reply to you, no it is not usual to prescribe 2 doses of 50,000 IU a week...as another replier pointed out.
Anyone else find the format a little confusing on replys? From now on, I'm specifying WHO I'm replying to...
Best to you, Linda
2/22/11 8:47am
I just got prescribed 50000 of Vit D 1x/week for 12 weeks. I was at 8.3 and was told 50 was more of what they liked to see. I am encouraged by what I read out here that it has improved mood & fatigue. I had no idea I had a vit deficiency, but reading about the symptoms, I sure hope this is what fixes some of it.
2/22/11 12:39pm
THIS REPLY IS TO LAURA...I was at 5.2, took once-a-week 50,000 IU for eight weeks, was re-tested new level was 22.1, placed on another eight-week routine. I was told the lowest they want to see is 30 and the highest is 50. I didn't have any idea either, but I'm beginning to notice most of us who post have other medical issues, and in speaking only for myself, I stayed inside far more than outside (fibromyalgia,etc.). I did notice an improvement in how I felt, it was actually kind of weird, I guess because of so maaaany years of feeling ''blah''. YET, I've only taken two of the second go-around, can't figure out why. Gotta get back on the wagon.
I didn't notice any side effects except sometimes almost unnerving energy level for temporary periods of time and some big-time insomnia.
Take Care, would like to hear more feedback from everybody on how it works for them...
cvsk12
2/22/11 10:24am
I'm not a doctor, but I agree with someone else who posted here to "listen to your gut." Doctors are NOT always right.
I was prescribed 50,000 iu Vit. D and after the FIRST pill I got an excruciating headache, and horrible heartburn. Additionally, I NEVER felt fatigued UNTIL I took the Vitamin D.
I'm listening to my gut and plan an taking OTC vitamins at a dosage of about 2,000 IU per day.
BTW...I'm a female, age 58.
2/22/11 10:25am
Ooops. Sheesh...I'm aging myself prematurely. Meant to write I am a female age FORTY-eight! ;)
2/22/11 12:54pm
This is for 'chicagogal'...hi, I'm out in good old Waukegan, "Chicagoland". Hey, you gave me a laugh 
with typo on age, but the really important thing is DID ANYONE TELL YOU IT IS REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT TO EAT A FULL MEAL BEFORE TAKING THE VIT D???
The reason I'm asking is I have a sensitive stomach/digestive system (past ulcers, blah-blah) ... chicagogal, the doctor and pharmacist emphasized big-time to eat a BIG MEAL before taking a dose (so I used the opportunity to CHEAT)
I was real scared the first time. I ate a big fat bagel with egg and cheese and steak on it and made myself gulp it down.
Did complete the first-round of 8-doses once-a-week and when re-tested was from 5.2 to 22.1 ...
ANYWAYS JUST LETTING YOU KNOW ABOUT EAT EAT EAT BEFORE TAKING IN CASE NO ONE MADE THAT CLEAR TO YOU
Take Care!!! Please consider updating at some point - oh - i did experience once-or-twice ''over-energy'' that was odd and one time insomia otherwise I was okay, which is saying alot for my system
2/22/11 6:44pm
Thanks, cvsk12 for your response--I really appreciate it! No, neither the doctor nor pharmacist informed me to eat a full meal beforehand. However, because I have had reflux issues in the past and vitamin supplements typically don't agree with me, I went online to some med site (I think it may have been WebMD, but I'm not sure) to do some research before taking the Vit D. I read there to eat a "full, greasy meal" before taking the vitamin. So, like you, I used it as a license to "cheat" and at two pieces of pizza....YUM....before taking the Vit.D. (Deep dish 'za to boot! )
2/26/11 12:39am
Hi Chicagogal!!! I don't know if I told you I went from 5.2 to 22.1 and am on a second round of D...I thank you later on...WOW the surprise to me is what I eat when taking it is a McD's Steak, Egg and Cheese Bagel, it was instinctive and chance to cheat and NOW you're confirming: ''full, greasy meal"!!! SCORE--ugh, I can't typically take o-t-c vitamin supplements successfully either, never worked long-term, but the 50,000 IU once-a-week w/full meal works. THANKS BECAUSE I'M ON MY SECOND ROUND OF D AND HAD FALLEN OFF THE WAGON, BECAUSE OF YOUR POST, YESTERDAY I ''FORCED'' MYSELF TO EAT THE BAGEL AND TAKE THE D AND HAD A BURST OF ENERGY BUT STILL FELT TIRED (WEIRD, I KNOW).
Keep me posted if you don't mind!!! Take Care, cvsk12(Patricia)
3/26/11 8:41pm
it should be taken for a short term and the d level checked periodic for improvement then decreased according to the results.
4/18/11 11:03pm
My primary care physician prescribed 50,000 iu of vit D once a week when my lab results came back that I was deficient. I got the prescription today and have not taken my first dose. Have been researching and came across this forum. I, too, have been concerned with the large amount being prescribed. Interestingly, last month I was diagnosed with RA and fibromyalgia. Have been on Prednisone for a months and have been off now a week. I am wondering if the Vit. D deficiency is related.
Thanks to everyone who has posted. I have a heart arrhythemia and take Verapamil 4 x day so I have a call in to my cardiologist regarding taking the Vit. D.
If he feels there will be no drug interaction, I will be starting the Vit. D.
4/23/11 1:08pm
Hi Carol, I've been diagnosed (long time ago now) w/CFS w/FM, etc. I've read, read and re-read your clear posting...and congratulations to you because you're handling it very well, in my opinion you have a natural gift towards logic and medicine!!! If you do start the Vit D, it would be nice to know, people write-in with the most interesting questions and situations and then never follow-up!
I'm on my second round, really I've completed it, of 8 weeks of Vit D 50,000 IU because the first round only brought the level up to 22.1. Sometimes I get rapid heartbeat but they say it's nerves, I say you're smart to check it all out first.
Oh...if you do take the D, I found out it is literally absorbed better if you eat a larger meal than normal that actually contains fat, I have a sensitive stomach and never had any problems w/taking it unless I didn't eat a substantial rather high-fat meal first.
The only other odd thing was at least twice I was insomniac from the burst of d, but still felt tired. Weird.
Best of luck!
Marie
5/23/11 8:05pm
Well I am 50 Male : Vit D level (was 10 some 6 months ago and 15 today). The prescribed 50,000 IU resulted in so many adverse side-effects (feeling utterely thirsty, nauseated, sleepy during the day and not being able to focus at work - to name a few) that my doctor directed me to go for the otc 2000 IU 2ce a day. Almost two months of daily intake raised the level by mere 5 (10 to 15). I think I may not have taken the originally prescribed 50,000 IU AFTER A FULL MEAL, which perhaps resulted in the mentioned (and un-mentioed) side-effects. After reading so many positive testimonials, I am going to give it another shot; request my doctor to re-prescribe 50000 IU. At the current progress rate, it will take me forever to reach a level of 50 or so (which I believe is the optimal level - the minimum being 30). Will post an update here if I register any quicker progress with 50,000 once a week prescription.
5/25/11 7:00am
I am glad to see this forum on Vitamin D is still active. I am 63 years old, and thought I had no health problems other than arthritis and high blood pressure, for which I'm on one tablet a day. My doctor has been sending me for blood tests once a year for a few years now, and she told me last year the Vitamin D level is too low, and I have osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis). She put me on Ostelin capsules for six months, but the last blood test showed my Vit.d was still too low, so she prescribed the 50,000 IU once a month. I had the same fears as everyone else here - would that be toxic? Doctor and chemist both said no, but I've been holding off starting them until I learned a bit more. Now thanks to this website I think I have - especially the bit about taking them after a meal. Nobody told me that!
5/25/11 2:33pm
You sound like you're in great shape over-all, I'm 55. Another thing I found out was that it's actually helpful to eat a meal with more oil in it than you would normally eat, like something fried, for example. For some reason, not only does eating a good substantial meal help but also some oil in whatever form, the Vit D is absorbed more easily.
I am "on" 50,000 I.U. a week of Vit D. The only thing I've ever noticed is sometimes I experience the oddity of feeling exhausted and energized at the same time (have FM & some other health problems) and once or twice some insomnia.
I don't know a thing about Ostelin but it sounds like your doc is being careful. If it helps you at all, anything below 30 on Vit D is considered lower than wanted.
:):):)
5/25/11 2:42pm
First I am sorry for what you been thru. The reason I knew to eat a full meal, a big meal, was because the pharmacy guy told me to AND put a big label on the bottle. Ohterwise, no one mentioned it. Someone in this forum said something about the fact that the Vit D is also better absorbed if the meal has items that are high in fat, the fat helps the Vit D to absorb.
YES you are right low is considered thirty (30) high is considered fifty (50) re Vit D levels. Mine was 5.2. went up to 22.3 then went down to 15 that's on one-a-week 50,000 IU a week but I not only dropped a couple sometimes I forgot to take it...OH that's another thing, I was told TAKE IT THE SAME DAY EACH WEEK IN THE A.M. [WITH THAT BIG SOMEWHAT GREASY MEAL-HAHA- A TICKET TO CHEAT]
So, I'm back on another round, this time still once-a-week 50,000 IU Vit D but for twelve weeks. I'm kinda non-compliant sometimes but have heard it is not uncommon for it take quite awhile to get a low Vit D patient up to optimal levels.
In fact, I just remembered the dr's nurse said typically AFTER they get the patient to a high D level, THEN they put the patient on an over-the-counter "Maintenance Dose".
TAKE CARE SORRY you had to endure all the symptoms let us know how it goes for ya'???
marie
5/25/11 4:35pm
Thanks a lot cvsk12 (or happy marrie) :), for all the inputs. I have begun to believe, you stand to benefit more from the like-boat-sailors than from the so called 'captains'. Doctors have limited knowledge when it comes to Vit D (B12 will fit right in this category - and I am (actually was) deficient there too) but the suffers seem to know more all about it. I got a call from my doctor's office prescribing 50,000 IU again. I have often wondered though - why is there such huge jump when it come to making these dosages? You either have 4000 IU or 50,000 IU; WHY NOT SOMETHING IN BETWEEN - LIKE 10,000 OR 20,000? MAybe there is. More info anyone?
5/25/11 5:25pm
Hi Karam, i like the way you worded it about ''like-boat-sailors...so called 'capains'. I have found it to be very true. I actually fired a doctor on the same day I met him this week. It was a first for me. I finally recognized we must as patients look out for ourselves and have our needs met with respect.
I, too, have wondered about dosages regarding all different kinds of medications. Over the years, I asked alot of questions, both of pharmacists and doctors. I am so hard-to-get-me-to-trust, I will even call several different pharmacists to see if their answers match!!! I am straying off-track.
The over-the-counter vitamin d's are formulated differently. Of course, the brand and the formulation DO matter, in regard to both quality and absorption.
The "O-T-C" formulations for Vit D are for those who only want to maintain what are considered normal levels. Probably, plenty of people buy the Vit D O-T-C who don't even need it, which could be a mistake for their system.
Pharmaceutically, I was told 50,000 I.U. is the standard available prescribed dose. "I.U." has something to do with ''units of measure" it was my impression the term "I.U." signifies liquid properties are involved.
Usually, most of us are used to prescriptions that are in ''mg' formulation.
"They" say, for example, the milligram dosage for an antibiotic is based upon body weight yet the pharmaceutical companies rely on the physician to determine from their pharmaceutical selection the amount of tablets/pills/milligrams to take for the patient concerned, it is a judgment call for the physician to take the infection level and weight and other varying health factors into account and decide the milligram dosage.
When it comes to Vit D 50,000 IU once-a-week, I was literally at first terrified, because I also have digestive problems. Immediately I questioned what sounded like such a tremendously high dosage.
The physician explained everyone absorbs medications to a different rate specific to their own body system. In the past, I have had physicians explain to me all human beings ''metabolize'' drugs at different rates.
A 10mg dosage of one drug could be safely and totally metabolized (absorbed) by their body system, while someone else might need 50 mg and only metabolize 30mg of the 50mg prescribed.
So, the doctor explained when it comes to Vit D, 50,000 IU is actually not a high amount. Since then, I have learned it is common practice to direct the patient to take one dose ONCE-A-WEEK (and we have already discussed what to eat).
The doctor assured me my Vit D level was so very low (5.2 at start) that my system would be so ''hungry'' for the Vit D he doubted I would encounter any problems whatsoever.
Again, tho, it was the pharmacist I have known for over 20 years who told me about meals and it was in this forum I was told about the importance of eating a large, substantial meal containing fat to help absorb the Vit D.
Pharmaceutically, I'm not sure they formulate Vit D in levels of 10,000 or 20,000, the reasoning being it is formulated differently than over-the-counter Vit D and is intended for those suffering very low levels of Vit D.
I suspect the thinking w/the Vit D goes right back to individual metabolism rates of usage, maybe I absorbed almost all of it but someone else would absorb only 30% of it...I hope I am being clear. The 50,000 IU will not typically cause problems as long as the guidelines are followed.
It was in the Spring or early Summer of last year I was prescribed by first go-around with the Vitamin D. It was for eight weeks, once-a-week. I ate a McDonald's steak/egg/cheese/breakfast bagel sandwich and then (I was scared, too) took the Vit D.
Nothing happened. Later on I was glad to find out it was good to eat something with fat content to help absorb the Vit D.
I did notice, sometimes, I would experience the oddity of feeling exhaustion (I ''have'' FM) yet energy at the same time after a dose. Lack of Vit D causes so many problems to our bodies.
I also noticed a couple of times I had insomnia, but I already tend to have insomnia anyways, what was different was it felt like ''energy-related'' insomnia.
So, I learned to take it EARLY as possible in the a.m. as is reasonable.
My ''pills'' are liquid inside with a ''jelly'' feeling-like outside and they are a kind of greenish-blue colour.
I am sorry this is so long yet I identify so much with your concerns I wanted to try to address them adequately. It is not fun to be a patient and it is wise to check things out...just one more thing: if you don't totally trust your doctor and can change, then do so if you want, if you can't change doctors, try to change the relationship with the doctor.
It sounds maybe a little bit like your doctor visits are very fast and/or the doctor is not available for questions thru his or her nurse.
Let me know what happens, I want things to work out for you and all of us!!!
Take Care,
Marie
8/ 1/11 12:06pm
Hi, I received notice there was a new reply but the only one I find is yours dated back in May!!! I can't say I agree with the formatting of the forum, yet I have no control over it.
I myself became curious and called the pharmacy and discovered 50,000 IU is the standard pharmaceutical and ONLY dose available by prescription.
Otherwise, I have been told once my levels are normal I will be swithced to OTC over-thecounter Vit D...the Vit D is a bit of a challenge as I did make the connection in my case of it (Vit D) sometimes causing me severe insomnia and a strange form of energy combined with exhaustion at the same time, rather odd sensation to say the least.
Good Luck!!!
Marie
cvsk12
11/29/11 8:34am
My doctor prescribed the same amount of 50,000 IU, but when you convert it to milligrams like most prescriptions that I have taken in the past, it's only 1.25mg. (IU of Vitamin D equals 0.025 μg (microgram - one millionth of a gram).
50,000 × 0.025 = 1,250 μg. So, 50,000 IU is about 1.25 mg.
1/ 2/12 3:39pm
My Dr. just prescribed vitamin d 50,000iu once a day. I din't see anyone else taking that much is this normal. my pharmacist even called him to make sure ? I am very concerned !
1/24/12 1:20am
Im scared.....my endocrinologist put me on 50,000 of D 3 x week M-W-F. I had my thyroid removed and my parathyroids either came out or don't function anymore. My vitamin D level is 42, but my calcium ranges between 7.6 and 8.1 (8.5-10.5 normal range). I am soooo afraid to take the D for fear of being toxic since my D range is pretty normal. But I suffer tetany to my muscles with the poor calcium absorption and am miserable. This forum has helped me to see that if I just get over it and take one and wait and see what happens....I may feel okay.....but I need some extra encouragement and reassurance here......Thanks!
Kimmy
1/24/12 1:23am
Im scared.....my endocrinologist put me on 50,000 of D 3 x week M-W-F. I had my thyroid removed and my parathyroids either came out or don't function anymore. My vitamin D level is 42, but my calcium ranges between 7.6 and 8.1 (8.5-10.5 normal range). I am soooo afraid to take the D for fear of being toxic since my D range is pretty normal. But I suffer tetany to my muscles with the poor calcium absorption and am miserable. This forum has helped me to see that if I just get over it and take one and wait and see what happens....I may feel okay.....but I need some extra encouragement and reassurance here......Thanks!
Kimmy
2/ 7/12 6:29pm
Hi I'm 37 and I too have been prescribed the 50000 IU per week for 6 months last year after my doc saw that my level is at 6.0. At first I was really worried about aking such a high amount, but after the first dose, I felt so much better. After the 6 months, did another blood test and my level went up to 26! We decided to stop the vitamin D supplements and after 2 months, I dropped back down to 16. I am now back to the 50000 IU per week for another 6 months and was instructed to take 2000 IU daily after the RX is gone. So I guess what I'm saying is, after you finish your prescription, make sure to keep on top of your vitamin D by taking OTC supplements to maintain the correct level. Hope that helps.
2/16/12 4:03pm
I'm sorry to say that I am on 50,000 iu of d once a week and it has really excelerated my artherites in my fingers. I get up and feel like my fingers are asleep. Also the joints in my fingers are beging to mold so that I can't straighten
them out.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you soooo much for your input. I was diagnosed with low d level too. I was skeptical about taking so much, the 50,000 once a week. But now I feel better with YOU sharing you part of it. Thanks again.
Miracleladie