Lofos

Indications

Calcium Acetate is used to control high blood phosphate (hyperphosphataemia) in people with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis. When the kidneys fail, phosphate builds up in the blood, which over time weakens bones and causes calcium deposits in blood vessels and the heart. Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder: it reduces the amount of phosphate the body takes in from food.

How It Works

When taken with a meal, the calcium in Calcium Acetate binds to phosphate from the food inside the stomach and intestine. This forms calcium phosphate, which cannot be absorbed and passes out in the stool. Less phosphate enters the blood, so blood phosphate levels fall. Some calcium is absorbed, which is why blood calcium must be checked.

Dosage and Administration

Take exactly as prescribed. The dose is set by your doctor according to your blood phosphate level and is adjusted over time. It must be taken with meals, usually just before or during each main meal, so it can bind the phosphate in that food. If you skip a meal, skip that dose. Follow the low-phosphate diet advised by your doctor or dietitian.

Interactions

Calcium Acetate can bind other medicines and reduce their absorption, including Tetracycline and Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin and other quinolone antibiotics, Levothyroxine, iron tablets and some others. Take these at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after Calcium Acetate, or as your doctor advises. High calcium levels increase the risk of side effects from Digoxin. Avoid other calcium supplements and calcium-containing antacids unless your doctor prescribes them. Thiazide diuretics and vitamin D products can raise calcium further.

Contraindications

• High blood calcium (hypercalcaemia).
• Allergy to any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Common effects include nausea, stomach upset, constipation and, sometimes, diarrhoea. The most important side effect is high blood calcium, which may cause tiredness, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst and passing more urine. Regular blood tests help detect this early.

Get urgent medical help for severe confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, muscle weakness, or an allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Calcium is a normal nutrient and Calcium Acetate is not expected to harm the baby, but in pregnancy it should be used only under a doctor. It can be used during breastfeeding with medical supervision.

Precautions and Warnings

• Your doctor will check blood calcium and phosphate regularly, often weekly at the start.
• Tell your doctor if you take Digoxin, other calcium products or vitamin D.
• Use with care in people prone to constipation.
• Tell your dialysis team about all supplements and antacids you take.

Overdose

Too much can cause high blood calcium with confusion, vomiting, weakness and heart rhythm problems. Contact a doctor or go to hospital promptly.

Therapeutic Class

Phosphate binder; mineral used in kidney disease.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.