use
Calcium acetate is used to prevent high blood phosphate levels in patients on dialysis for severe kidney disease. Dialysis can remove some phosphate from the blood, but it is difficult to remove enough phosphate to keep phosphate levels balanced. Lowering phosphate levels in the blood can help keep bones strong, prevent minerals from unsafely accumulating in the body, and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke caused by high phosphate levels.
How calcium acetate works
Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder. Before phosphate is absorbed by the body, it attaches to phosphates in food. Your body then eliminates these excess phosphates through your stool. This helps lower blood phosphorus levels and protects your kidneys and bones.
side effect
Stomach upset may occur.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, dry mouth, increased thirst/urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precaution
Before taking calcium acetate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
interactive
Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil), calcium supplements, calcium-containing antacids, iron supplements.
This product may reduce the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (such as alendronate), phenytoin, quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), strontium, thyroid drugs (such as levothyroxine), and tetracyclines Antibiotics (eg, doxycycline, minocycline). Keep the doses of these drugs as separate as possible from the doses of this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should wait between doses of your medicines, and get help finding a dosing schedule that works for all your medicines.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Calcium Acetate
advantage
- Few side effects
- Your provider can adjust the dose if needed
- Available as a lower-cost generic drug
shortcoming
- Must be taken with each meal to be effective
- Calcium-containing supplements and antacids should be avoided due to the risk of high calcium levels
- Not approved for use in children
Doctors can prescribe a variety of medications in place of calcium acetate. Compare several possible alternatives below.
- Sevelamer Carbonategeneric Renvela (used in: dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high blood phosphate levels)
- Lanthanumgeneric Fosrenol (used for: elevated blood phosphate levels in patients with end-stage renal disease)
