In the U.S.—

• Antihyperphosphatemic

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 the following dosage form:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S.)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. 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 or allergic reaction to calcium acetate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies on the effects of calcium acetate when taken during pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether calcium acetate passes into 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 using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients and there is no specific information comparing use of calcium acetate in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of calcium acetate in elderly patients with use in other adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking calcium acetate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

• Calcium-containing medicines, other, including antacids—Taking excess calcium may cause too much calcium in the blood or urine, which may increase the chance of side effects

• Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine)—Use with calcium acetate may cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), which could increase the chance of developing an irregular heartbeat

• Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood)—Calcium acetate may make this condition worse

Take this medicine with meals.

Dosing—

The dose of calcium acetate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of calcium acetate. If your dose is different, 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 doctor may 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 as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed 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 other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few months of treatment with this medicine, since your dose may have to be adjusted. This is to make sure that this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects.

Do not take other calcium-containing products including dietary supplements and antacids. Your doctor may adjust the amount of calcium-containing foods you eat.Taking too much calcium while you are taking this medicine can cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood).

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Rare—Signs of severe hypercalcemia
  • Confusion;  full or partial loss of consciousness ;  incoherent speech 
  
  

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Rare—Signs of mild hypercalcemia
  • Constipation;  loss of appetite;  nausea or vomiting 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the following side effect continues or is bothersome:

• Less common
  • Itching 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.