If you are a person undergoing treatment for kidney disease, your doctor probably always talks about the level of phosphorus in your blood. Controlling this phosphorus level properly is very important for your health. One special medicine that helps with this, which comes in the form of a liquid, is called Calcium Acetate. Okay, today we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and things to be careful about, in a simple and clear way.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, our body is unable to properly filter and remove the mineral phosphorus. This causes the phosphorus level in the blood to rise unnecessarily. This can weaken your bones and affect your heart and blood vessels in the long run.
This medicine called Calcium Acetate does a very simple thing. Its job is to stop the phosphorus in the food you eat from being absorbed into the body from the intestines. That is, this medicine binds to the phosphorus and passes it out with the feces instead of being absorbed by the body. Because of this action, these medicines are also called phosphate binders .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to clearly explain these facts to your doctor before prescribing this medicine to you, as special care should be taken when using this medicine with these conditions.
| Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions: |
|---|
| If your blood calcium levels are high. |
| If you have had kidney stones before. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to calcium, other medications, foods, preservatives, or colorings. |
| If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way you use this medicine is very important, so keep these points in mind.
- Take with food:
- Take the correct dose: Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use only the oral syringe or measuring cup provided. Do not measure with household teaspoons, as they are not accurate.
- Do not stop: Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
- What if you take too much? If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Regular check-ups: Attend your doctor's appointments as scheduled. While taking this medication, you will need to have regular blood tests to check your calcium and phosphorus levels.
- Diet: You may be asked to follow a special diet with this medication. Ask your doctor for details.
- Keep away from children: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature: Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- After the expiration date: Do not use expired medications. Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Some medications should not be thrown in the trash. However, if you can, remove the liquid from the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put it in a tightly sealed bag.
- Calcium Acetate solution should always be taken at the start of a main meal or snack.
- Avoid taking other calcium-containing products (including vitamins) without consulting your doctor.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- It is essential to have blood tests at the scheduled times as prescribed by the doctor.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as skin rash, facial swelling, or excessive thirst, call your doctor immediately.
The most important thing is to always take this medicine at the start of a main meal or snack . That's when it can bind to the phosphorus in the food and stop it from being absorbed by the body.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give it to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Calcium Acetate is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid taking these together | |
| Products containing calcium | Other calcium tablets, some antacids, and vitamins. |
| Interactions may occur with these (seek medical advice) | |
| Some antibiotics | Quinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) and tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline). |
| Other medications | Digoxin, Phenytoin, Sucralfate and thyroid hormone `(levothyroxine)`. |
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| If these symptoms occur, notify your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High calcium level | Unusually increased thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness, bone pain. |
| Tell your doctor if these persist or are bothersome. | |
| Minor side effects | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. |
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