Ester-C Plus

Acerola:

• Ester-C Plus (Acerola) reviews

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin C in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra ascorbic acid. Low levels of vitamin C can result in a condition called scurvy. Scurvy may cause symptoms such as rash, muscle weakness, joint pain, tiredness, or tooth loss. Vitamin C plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It is also used to protect your body's cells from damage. It is known as an antioxidant. OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This vitamin may also be used with other vitamins for a certain eye condition ( macular degeneration ).

Calcium:

• Indications and usage
• Dosage and administration
• Dosage forms and strengths
• Contraindications
• Warnings and precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Drug interactions
• Use in specific populations
• Overdosage
• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Nonclinical toxicology
• Clinical studies
• How supplied/storage and handling
• Patient counseling information
• Ester-C Plus (Calcium) reviews

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate is a phosphate binder indicated to reduce serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).

- Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder indicated for the reduction of serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease. (1)

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The recommended initial dose of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate for the adult dialysis patient is 2 capsules with each meal. Increase the dose gradually to lower serum phosphorus levels to the target range, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require 3 to 4 capsules with each meal.

- Starting dose is 2 capsules with each meal. (2)

- Titrate the dose every 2 to 3 weeks until acceptable serum phosphorus level is reached. Most patients require 3 to 4 capsules with each meal. (2)

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Capsule: 667 mg Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate capsule.

- Capsule: 667 mg Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate capsule. (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with hypercalcemia.

- Hypercalcemia. (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

- Treat mild hypercalcemia by reducing or interrupting Ester-C Plus acetate and Vitamin D. Severe hypercalcemia may require hemodialysis and discontinuation of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate. (5.1)

- Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity. (5.2)

5.1 Hypercalcemia

Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia when treated with Ester-C Plus (Calcium), including Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate. Avoid the use of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) supplements, including Ester-C Plus (Calcium) based nonprescription antacids, concurrently with Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate.

An overdose of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate may lead to progressive hypercalcemia, which may require emergency measures. Therefore, early in the treatment phase during the dosage adjustment period, monitor serum Ester-C Plus (Calcium) levels twice weekly. Should hypercalcemia develop, reduce the Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate dosage, or discontinue the treatment, depending on the severity of hypercalcemia

More severe hypercalcemia (Ca >12 mg/dL) is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor and coma. Severe hypercalcemia can be treated by acute hemodialysis and discontinuing Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate therapy.

Mild hypercalcemia (10.5 to 11.9 mg/dL) may be asymptomatic or manifest as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Mild hypercalcemia is usually controlled by reducing the Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate dose or temporarily discontinuing therapy. Decreasing or discontinuing Vitamin D therapy is recommended as well.

Chronic hypercalcemia may lead to vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Radiographic evaluation of suspected anatomical regions may be helpful in early detection of soft tissue calcification. The long term effect of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate on the progression of vascular or soft tissue calcification has not been determined.

Hypercalcemia (>11 mg/dL) was reported in 16% of patients in a 3 month study of solid dose formulation of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate; all cases resolved upon lowering the dose or discontinuing treatment.

Maintain the serum calcium-phosphorus (Ca x P) product below 55 mg²/dL².

5.2 Concomitant Use with Medications

Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hypercalcemia is discussed elsewhere [see Warnings and Precautions ].

- The most common (>10%) adverse reactions are hypercalcemia, nausea and vomiting. (6.1)

- In clinical studies, patients have occasionally experienced nausea during Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate therapy. (6)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-800-962-8364 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In clinical studies, Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate has been generally well tolerated.

Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate was studied in a 3 month, open-label, non-randomized study of 98 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients and an alternate liquid formulation of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate was studied in a two week double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 69 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients. Adverse reactions (>2% on treatment) from these trials are presented in Table 1.

Preferred Term	Total adverse reactions reported for Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate N=167 N (%)	3 month, open label study of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate N=98 N (%)	Double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of liquid Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate N=69
			Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate N (%)	Placebo N (%)
Nausea	6 (3.6)	6 (6.1)	0 (0)	0 (0)
Vomiting	4 (2.4)	4 (4.1)	0 (0)	0 (0)
Hypercalcemia	21 (12.6)	16 (16.3)	5 (7.2)	0 (0)

Mild hypercalcemia may be asymptomatic or manifest itself as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. More severe hypercalcemia is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma. Decreasing dialysate Ester-C Plus (Calcium) concentration could reduce the incidence and severity of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate-induced hypercalcemia. Isolated cases pruritus have been reported, which may represent allergic reactions.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate: dizziness, edema, and weakness.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

The drug interaction of Ester-C Plus acetate is characterized by the potential of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) to bind to drugs with anionic functions (e.g., carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups). Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones via this mechanism.

There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate and most concomitant drugs. When administering an oral medication with Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy, administer the drug one hour before or three hours after Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate. Monitor blood levels of the concomitant drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range. Patients taking anti-arrhythmic medications for the control of arrhythmias and anti-seizure medications for the control of seizure disorders were excluded from the clinical trials with all forms of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate.

- Calcium acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. (7)

- When clinically significant drug interactions are expected, administer the drug at least one hour before or at least three hours after Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate or consider monitoring blood levels of the drug. (7)

7.1 Ciprofloxacin

In a study of 15 healthy subjects, a co-administered single dose of 4 Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate tablets, approximately 2.7g, decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C:

Ester-C Plus acetate capsules contains Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate, and there are no adequate and well controlled studies of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate use in pregnant women. Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia with Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ) ]. Maintenance of normal serum Ester-C Plus (Calcium) levels is important for maternal and fetal well being. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy may increase the risk for maternal and neonatal complications such as stillbirth, preterm delivery, and neonatal hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate treatment, as recommended, is not expected to harm a fetus if maternal Ester-C Plus (Calcium) levels are properly monitored during and following treatment.

8.2 Labor and Delivery

The effects of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate on labor and delivery are unknown.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Ester-C Plus Acetate Capsules contains Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate and is excreted in human milk. Human milk feeding by a mother receiving Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate is not expected to harm an infant, provided maternal serum Ester-C Plus (Calcium) levels are appropriately monitored.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

10 OVERDOSAGE

Administration of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate in excess of the appropriate daily dosage may result in hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

11 DESCRIPTION

Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate acts as a phosphate binder. Its chemical name is Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate. Its molecular formula is C₄H₆CaO₄, and its molecular weight is 158.17. Its structural formula is:

Each white opaque/blue opaque capsule contains 667 mg of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate USP (anhydrous; Ca(CH₃COO)₂; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) Ester-C Plus (Calcium), polyethylene glycol 8000 and magnesium stearate. Each capsule shell contains: black monogramming ink, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, gelatin and titanium dioxide. The black monogramming ink contains: ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol and shellac glaze.

Ester-C Plus (Calcium) Acetate Capsules are administered orally for the control of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal failure.

Chemical Structure

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Patients with ESRD retain phosphorus and can develop hyperphosphatemia. High serum phosphorus can precipitate serum Ester-C Plus resulting in ectopic calcification. Hyperphosphatemia also plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate, when taken with meals, combines with dietary phosphate to form an insoluble Ester-C Plus (Calcium) phosphate complex, which is excreted in the feces, resulting in decreased serum phosphorus concentration.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Orally administered Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate from pharmaceutical dosage forms is systemically absorbed up to approximately 40% under fasting conditions and up to approximately 30% under nonfasting conditions. This range represents data from both healthy subjects and renal dialysis patients under various conditions.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility studies have been conducted with Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Effectiveness of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate in decreasing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated in two studies of the Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate solid oral dosage form.

Ninety-one patients with end-stage renal disease who were undergoing hemodialysis and were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL) following a 1 week phosphate binder washout period contributed efficacy data to an open-label, non-randomized study.

The patients received Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate 667 mg tablets at each meal for a period of 12 weeks. The initial starting dose was 2 tablets per meal for 3 meals a day, and the dose was adjusted as necessary to control serum phosphorus levels. The average final dose after 12 weeks of treatment was 3.4 tablets per meal. Although there was a decrease in serum phosphorus, in the absence of a control group the true magnitude of effect is uncertain.

The data presented in Table 2 demonstrate the efficacy of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients. The effects on serum Ester-C Plus (Calcium) levels are also presented.

* Ninety-one patients completed at least 6 weeks of the study. † ANOVA of difference in values at pre-study and study completion. ‡ Values expressed as mean ± SE.
Parameter	Pre-Study	Week 4*	Week 8	Week 12	p-value†
Phosphorus (mg/dL)‡	7.4 ± 0.17	5.9 ± 0.16	5.6 ± 0.17	5.2 ± 0.17	≤0.01
Ester-C Plus (Calcium) (mg/dL)‡	8.9 ± 0.09	9.5 ± 0.10	9.7 ± 0.10	9.7 ± 0.10	≤0.01

There was a 30% decrease in serum phosphorus levels during the 12 week study period (p<0.01). Two-thirds of the decline occurred in the first month of the study. Serum Ester-C Plus (Calcium) increased 9% during the study mostly in the first month of the study.

Treatment with the phosphate binder was discontinued for patients from the open-label study, and those patients whose serum phosphorus exceeded 5.5 mg/dL were eligible for entry into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Patients were randomized to receive Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate or placebo, and each continued to receive the same number of tablets as had been individually established during the previous study. Following 2 weeks of treatment, patients switched to the alternative therapy for an additional 2 weeks.

The phosphate binding effect of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate is shown in the Table 3.

* ANOVA of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate vs. placebo after 2 weeks of treatment. † Values expressed as mean ± SEM.
Parameter	Pre-Study	Post-Treatment		p-value*
		Ester-C Plus (Calcium) Acetate	Placebo
Phosphorus (mg/dL)†	7.3 ± 0.18	5.9 ± 0.24	7.8 ± 0.22	<0.01
Ester-C Plus (Calcium) (mg/dL)†	8.9 ± 0.11	9.5 ± 0.13	8.8 ± 0.12	<0.01

Overall, 2 weeks of treatment with Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate statistically significantly (p<0.01) decreased serum phosphorus by a mean of 19% and increased serum Ester-C Plus (Calcium) by a statistically significant (p<0.01) but clinically unimportant mean of 7%.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Ester-C Plus (Calcium) Acetate Capsules

667 mg capsule is supplied as a white opaque/blue opaque capsule, imprinted with “54 215” on the cap and body.

NDC 0615-2303-39: Blistercards of 30 Capsules

NDC 0615-2303-30: Unit-dose Boxes of 30 Capsules

STORAGE

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Inform patients to take Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate capsules with meals, adhere to their prescribed diets, and avoid the use of Ester-C Plus (Calcium) supplements including nonprescription antacids. Inform the patients about the symptoms of hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].

Advise patients who are taking an oral medication where reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy to take the drug one hour before or three hours after Ester-C Plus (Calcium) acetate capsules.

Distr. by: West-Ward

Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Eatontown, NJ 07724

10003705/05

Revised April 2016

Vitamin C:

• Pharmacological action
• Pharmacokinetics
• Why is Ester-C Plus prescribed?
• Dosage and administration
• Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) side effects, adverse reactions
• Ester-C Plus contraindications
• Using during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Special instructions
• Ester-C Plus drug interactions
• Ester-C Plus in case of emergency / overdose
• Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) reviews

Pharmacological action

Ascorbic acid is essential for the formation of intracellular collagen, is required to strengthen the structure of teeth, bones, and the capillary walls. Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) participates in redox reactions, the metabolism of tyrosine, converting folic acid into folinic acid, metabolism of carbohydrates, the synthesis of lipids and proteins, iron metabolism, processes of cellular respiration. Reduces the need for vitamins B1, B2, A, E, folic acid, pantothenic acid, enhances the body's resistance to infections; enhances iron absorption, contributing to its sequestration in reduced form. Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) has antioxidant properties.

With intravaginal application of ascorbic acid lowers the vaginal pH, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and helps to restore and maintain normal pH and vaginal flora (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri).

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration ascorbic acid is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Widely distributed in body tissues.

The concentration of ascorbic acid in blood plasma in normal amounts to approximately 10-20 mg / ml.

The concentration of ascorbic acid in white blood cells and platelets is higher than in erythrocytes and plasma. When deficient state of concentration in leucocytes is reduced later and more slowly and is regarded as the best criterion for evaluating the deficit than the concentration in plasma.

Plasma protein binding is about 25%.

Ascorbic acid is reversibly oxidized to form dehydroascorbic acid, is metabolized with the formation of ascorbate-2-sulphate which is inactive and oxalic acid which is excreted in the urine.

Ascorbic acid taken in excessive quantities is rapidly excreted unchanged in urine, it usually happens when exceeding a daily dose is 200 mg.

Why is Ester-C Plus prescribed?

For systemic use of Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) Kimia Farma: prevention and treatment of hypo- and avitaminosis of Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C); providing increased need for Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) during growth, pregnancy, lactation, with heavy loads, fatigue and during recovery after prolonged severe illness; in winter with an increased risk of infectious diseases.

For intravaginal use: chronic or recurrent vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis, nonspecific vaginitis) caused by the anaerobic flora (due to changes in pH of the vagina) in order to normalize disturbed vaginal microflora.

Dosage and administration

This medication administered orally, IM, IV, intravaginally.

For the prevention of deficiency conditions Ester-C Plus dose is 25-75 mg / day, for the treatment - 250 mg / day or more in divided doses.

For intravaginal used ascorbic acid drugs in appropriate dosage forms.

Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) side effects, adverse reactions

CNS: headache, fatigue, insomnia.

Digestive system: stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Allergic reaction: describes a few cases of skin reactions and manifestations of the respiratory system.

Urinary system: when used in high doses - hyperoxaluria and the formation of kidney stones of calcium oxalate.

Local reactions: with intravaginal application - a burning or itching in the vagina, increased mucous discharge, redness, swelling of the vulva. Other: sensation of heat.

Ester-C Plus contraindications

Increased sensitivity to ascorbic acid.

Using during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The minimum daily requirement of ascorbic acid in the II and III trimester of pregnancy is about 60 mg.

Ascorbic acid crosses the placental barrier. It should be borne in mind that the fetus can adapt to high doses of ascorbic acid, which takes a pregnant woman, and then a newborn baby may develop the ascorbic disease as the reaction of cancel. Therefore, during pregnancy should not to take ascorbic acid in high doses, except in cases where the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk.

The minimum daily requirement during lactation is 80 mg. Ascorbic acid is excreted in breast milk. A mother's diet that contains adequate amounts of ascorbic acid, is sufficient to prevent deficiency in an infant. It is unknown whether dangerous to the child's mother use of ascorbic acid in high doses. Theoretically it is possible. Therefore, it is recommended not to exceed the maximum daily nursing mother needs to ascorbic acid, except when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Special instructions

Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) is used with caution in patients with hyperoxaluria, renal impairment, a history of instructions on urolithiasis. Because ascorbic acid increases iron absorption, its use in high doses can be dangerous in patients with hemochromatosis, thalassemia, polycythemia, leukemia, and sideroblastic anemia.

Patients with high content body iron should apply ascorbic acid in minimal doses.

Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) is used with caution in patients with deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

The use of ascorbic acid in high doses can cause exacerbation of sickle cell anemia.

Data on the diabetogenic action of ascorbic acid are contradictory. However, prolonged use of ascorbic acid should periodically monitor your blood glucose levels.

It is believed that the use of ascorbic acid in patients with rapidly proliferating and widely disseminated tumors may worsen during the process. It should therefore be used with caution in ascorbic acid in patients with advanced cancer.

Absorption of ascorbic acid decreased while use of fresh fruit or vegetable juices, alkaline drinking.

Ester-C Plus drug interactions

In an application with barbiturates, primidone increases the excretion of ascorbic acid in the urine.

With the simultaneous use of oral contraceptives reduces the concentration of ascorbic acid in blood plasma.

In an application of Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) with iron preparations ascorbic acid, due to its regenerative properties, transforms ferric iron in the bivalent, which improves its absorption.

Ascorbic acid in high doses can decrease urine pH that while the application reduces the tubular reabsorption of amphetamine and tricyclic antidepressants.

With the simultaneous use of aspirin reduces the absorption of ascorbic acid by about a third.

Ester-C Plus (Vitamin C) in an application with warfarin may decrease effects of warfarin.

With the simultaneous application of ascorbic acid increases the excretion of iron in patients receiving deferoxamine. In the application of ascorbic acid at a dose of 500 mg / day possibly left ventricular dysfunction.

In an application with tetracycline is increased excretion of ascorbic acid in the urine.

There is a described case of reducing the concentration of fluphenazine in plasma in patients treated with ascorbic acid 500 mg 2 times / day.

May increase the concentration of ethinyl estradiol in the blood plasma in its simultaneous application in the oral contraceptives.

Ester-C Plus in case of emergency / overdose

Symptoms: long-term use of large doses (more than 1 g) - headache, increased CNS excitability, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastritis giperatsidnyh, ultseratsiya gastrointestinal mucosa, inhibition of the function insular apparatus of the pancreas (hyperglycemia, glycosuria), hyperoxaluria, nephrolithiasis (calcium oxalate), damage to the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys, moderate thamuria (when receiving a dose of 600 mg / day).

Decrease capillary permeability (possibly deteriorating trophic tissues, increased blood pressure, hypercoagulability, the development of microangiopathy).

When IV administration in high doses - the threat of termination of pregnancy (due to estrogenemia), hemolysis of red blood cells.