CALCIUMACETATE (Systemic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
Category
Description
Calcium acetate (KAL-see-um ASS-a-tate) is used to treat hyperphosphatemia(too much phosphate in the blood) in patients with kidney disease.
Calcium acetate works by binding with the phosphate in the food you eat,so that it is eliminated from the body without being absorbed.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage form:
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For calcium acetate,the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to calcium acetate. Also tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,or dyes.
Pregnancy?Studies on the effects of calcium acetate when takenduring pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether calcium acetate passesinto breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are usingthis medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients and there is no specific information comparing use of calcium acetatein children with use in other age groups.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof calcium acetate in elderly patients with use in other adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingcalcium acetate, it is especially important that your health care professionalknow if you are taking any of the following:
- Calcium-containing medicines, other, including antacids?Takingexcess calcium may cause too much calcium in the blood or urine, which mayincrease the chance of side effects
- Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine)?Use with calcium acetatemay cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), which could increasethe chance of developing an irregular heartbeat
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of calcium acetate. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood)?Calcium acetatemay make this condition worse
Proper Use of This Medicine
Take thismedicine with meals.
Dosing?The dose of calcium acetate will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average dose of calcium acetate. If your dose isdifferent, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For too much phosphate in the blood:
- Adults?2 tablets three times a day with meals. Your doctormay increase the dose if necessary.
- Children?Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in otherdamp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It isimportant that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especiallyduring the first few months of treatment with this medicine, since your dosemay have to be adjusted. This is to make sure that this medicine is workingproperly and does not cause unwanted effects.
Do not take other calcium-containing products includingdietary supplements and antacids. Your doctor may adjust the amount of calcium-containingfoods you eat.Taking too much calcium while you are taking this medicinecan cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood).
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine maycause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur,if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctorimmediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare?Signs of severe hypercalcemia
Also, check with your doctoras soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare?Signs of mild hypercalcemia
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayduring treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check withyour doctor if the following side effect continues or is bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If younotice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 03/23/1998
