Key facts about Calcium Acetate
What dosages is Calcium Acetate available in?
Calcium Acetate is available as a 667 mg or gelcap and tablet.
What is Calcium Acetate used for?
Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder and is used to treat high blood phosphate levels in people with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD).
How does Calcium Acetate work?
Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder. It attaches to the phosphate in your food before the phosphate can be absorbed by your body. Your body then gets rid of this extra phosphate through your stool. This helps lower your blood phosphate levels to protect your kidneys and bones.
How do I take Calcium Acetate?
Calcium Acetate is typically started at 1,334 mg (2 pills) by mouth with every meal. Each pill contains 667 mg of Calcium Acetate. Your provider will adjust your dose based on the phosphate levels in your blood.
Is it safe for me to take Calcium Acetate?
Calcium Acetate is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have hypercalcemia.
Calcium Acetate Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Calcium Acetate:
- High calcium levels in the blood
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Calcium Acetate Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Calcium Acetate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Very high calcium levels: tiredness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, constipation, bone pain, confusion, delirium
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Calcium Acetate
The following medications may interact with Calcium Acetate:
- May decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. When clinically significant drug interactions are expected, administer the drug at least one hour before or at least three hours after Calcium Acetate or consider monitoring blood levels of the drug
Who makes Calcium Acetate?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Calcium Acetate safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Calcium Acetate will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.
