Calcium Acetate is used for:
Reducing phosphate levels in late-stage kidney failure.
Calcium Acetate is a mineral. It works by preventing phosphate in the stomach and intestines from being absorbed into the body.
Do NOT use Calcium Acetate if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Calcium Acetate
• you have high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• you are taking digitalis (eg, digoxin)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Calcium Acetate :
if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems or low phosphate levels
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Calcium Acetate . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Digoxin because the risk of side effects such as irregular heartbeat may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Calcium Acetate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Calcium Acetate :
Use Calcium Acetate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Take Calcium Acetate with meals.
• Do not take Calcium Acetate at the same time as a bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate), a quinolone (eg, ciprofloxacin), a tetracycline (eg, doxycycline), or a thyroid hormone (eg, levothyroxine). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to separate these medicines from your dose of Calcium Acetate .
• If you miss a dose of Calcium Acetate , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Calcium Acetate .
Important safety information:
• Be sure to follow the diet plan prescribed by your health care provider.
• Do not take any other medicines containing calcium (eg, calcium supplements, antacids, multivitamins containing calcium) while you are taking Calcium Acetate .
• LAB TESTS, including calcium and phosphate blood levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Calcium Acetate with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Calcium Acetate , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Calcium Acetate during pregnancy. It is unknown if Calcium Acetate is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast feeding while you are using Calcium Acetate , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Calcium Acetate :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Nausea.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; constipation; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; muscle weakness; severe or persistent nausea; unusual tiredness; vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Symptoms may include confusion; constipation; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; muscle weakness; vomiting.
Proper storage of Calcium Acetate :
Store Calcium Acetate at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Calcium Acetate out of the reach of children and away from pets.