Phoslo

Phoslo

     * Generic Name: calcium acetate tablet
     * Brand Name: Phoslo


     * What is calcium acetate?
     * What are the possible side effects of calcium acetate?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       calcium acetate?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       calcium acetate?
     * How should I take calcium acetate?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking calcium acetate?
     * What other drugs will affect calcium acetate?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is calcium acetate?

   Calcium is a mineral that is needed for many functions of the body,
   especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to
   other minerals such as phosphate, and aid in their removal from the
   body.

   Calcium acetate is used to control phosphate levels to keep them
   from getting too high in people with kidney failure.

   Calcium acetate may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of calcium acetate?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using calcium acetate and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting,
       constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle
       weakness, bone pain, confusion, lack of energy, or tired
       feeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * increased calcium in the blood
     * nausea; or
     * diarrhea.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about calcium acetate?

   You should not use calcium acetate if you have high levels of calcium
   in your blood.

   Phoslo Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the Kidney Disease Quiz
   Kidney Stones:Learn How to Prevent Them

   Kidney Stone Slideshow Pictures
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcium
acetate?

   You should not use calcium acetate if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have high levels of calcium in your blood.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine
   if you have other medical conditions, especially:
     * if your kidney disease gets worse; or
     * if you also take digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin).

   Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or
   breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or
   while you are nursing.

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take calcium acetate?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the
   best results.

   Take this medicine with each meal, unless your doctor tells you
   otherwise.

   You may need to keep a food diary to measure how much calcium you are
   getting in your diet.

   You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how
   long to treat you with calcium acetate.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Phoslo Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the Kidney Disease Quiz
   Kidney Stones:Learn How to Prevent Them

   Kidney Stone Slideshow Pictures
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking calcium acetate?

   Do not take additional calcium supplements unless your doctor has told
   you to.

   Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
   specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Many antacids contain
   calcium and you could be getting too much of this mineral if you take a
   calcium antacid with calcium acetate.

   Calcium acetate can make it harder for your body to absorb other
   medicines you take by mouth.
     * Avoid taking an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin
       (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or levofloxacin
       (Levaquin) within 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take
       calcium acetate.
     * Avoid taking an antibiotic such as doxycycline (Doryx,
       Oracea), minocycline (Solodyn), or tetracycline
       within 1 hour before you take calcium acetate.
     * Avoid taking levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid)
       within 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take calcium acetate.

What other drugs will affect calcium acetate?

   Other drugs may interact with calcium acetate, including prescription
   and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell
   each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and
   any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about calcium acetate.
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