Calcium Acetate tablet

What is this medicine?

CALCIUM ACETATE is a calcium salt. It works to bind phosphate in the digestive tract. This medicine is used to treat high levels of phosphate in patients with chronic renal failure.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• high level of calcium in the blood
• history of kidney stones
• an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take with meals. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with the following:

• any calcium containing product including certain antacids and vitamin supplements

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• digoxin
• phenytoin
• strontium 89 chloride
• sucralfate
• tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics
• thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need to have important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day.

Do not take this medicine within 2 hours of any other medication taken by mouth.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• confusion, delirium
• constipation
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• lower back pain or pain and difficulty passing urine
• nausea, vomiting
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.