Active ingredient: Calcium (Calcium Carbonate)

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Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) uses


1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate capsule.

- Capsule: 667 mg Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate capsule. (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with hypercalcemia.

- Hypercalcemia. (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

- Treat mild hypercalcemia by reducing or interrupting Calcium acetate and Vitamin D. Severe hypercalcemia may require hemodialysis and discontinuation of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate), including Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate. Avoid the use of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) supplements, including Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) based nonprescription antacids, concurrently with Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate.

An overdose of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate may lead to progressive hypercalcemia, which may require emergency measures. Therefore, early in the treatment phase during the dosage adjustment period, monitor serum Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) levels twice weekly. Should hypercalcemia develop, reduce the Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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.

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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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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, Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate has been generally well tolerated.

Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate was studied in a 3 month, open-label, non-randomized study of 98 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients and an alternate liquid formulation of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate

N=167

N (%)


3 month, open label study of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate

N=98

N (%)


Double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of liquid Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate

N=69


Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) concentration could reduce the incidence and severity of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate: dizziness, edema, and weakness.

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7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

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

There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate and most concomitant drugs. When administering an oral medication with Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate tablets, approximately 2.7g, decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C:

Calcium acetate capsules contains Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate, and there are no adequate and well controlled studies of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate use in pregnant women. Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia with Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ) ]. Maintenance of normal serum Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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. Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate treatment, as recommended, is not expected to harm a fetus if maternal Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) levels are properly monitored during and following treatment.

8.2 Labor and Delivery

The effects of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate on labor and delivery are unknown.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Calcium Acetate Capsules contains Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate and is excreted in human milk. Human milk feeding by a mother receiving Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate is not expected to harm an infant, provided maternal serum Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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.

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10 OVERDOSAGE

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

11 DESCRIPTION

Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate acts as a phosphate binder. Its chemical name is Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate USP (anhydrous; Ca(CH3COO)2; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) Calcium (Calcium Carbonate), 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.

Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium resulting in ectopic calcification. Hyperphosphatemia also plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

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

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Orally administered Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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.

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13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility studies have been conducted with Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Effectiveness of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate in decreasing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated in two studies of the Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients. The effects on serum Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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


Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) (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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate is shown in the Table 3.


* ANOVA of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate vs. placebo after 2 weeks of treatment.

Values expressed as mean ± SEM.


Parameter


Pre-Study


Post-Treatment


p-value*


Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) Acetate


Placebo


Phosphorus (mg/dL)


7.3 ± 0.18


5.9 ± 0.24


7.8 ± 0.22


<0.01


Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) (mg/dL)


8.9 ± 0.11


9.5 ± 0.13


8.8 ± 0.12


<0.01


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

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate capsules with meals, adhere to their prescribed diets, and avoid the use of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 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 Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) acetate capsules.

Distr. by: West-Ward

Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Eatontown, NJ 07724

10003705/05

Revised April 2016

Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) available forms, composition, doses:


Indications and Usages:

ATC codes:


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Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) destination | category:


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References

  1. Dailymed."CALCIUM: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  2. "Calcium". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  3. "Calcium". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB0137... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Calcium (Calcium Carbonate)?

Depending on the reaction of the Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

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Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on Calcium (Calcium Carbonate), and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.

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Visitor reported useful

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One visitor reported doses

What is the dose of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) drug you are taking?
According to the survey conducted among sdrugs.com website users, the maximum number of people are using the following dose 501mg-1g. Few medications come in only one or two doses. Few are specific for adult dose and child dose. The dose of the medicine given to the patient depends on the severity of the symptom/disease. There can be dose adjustments made by the doctor, based on the progression of the disease. Follow-up is important.
Visitors%
501mg-1g1
100.0%

One visitor reported time for results

What is the time duration Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) drug must be taken for it to be effective or for it to reduce the symptoms?
Most chronic conditions need at least some time so the dose and the drug action gets adjusted to the body to get the desired effect. The stastistics say sdrugs.com website users needed > 3 month to notice the result from using Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) drug. The time needed to show improvement in health condition after using the medicine Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) need not be same for all the users. It varies based on other factors.
Visitors%
> 3 month1
100.0%

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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology

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