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Calcium Acetate Coupon - Calcium Acetate 667mg capsule

calcium acetate

Generic PhosLo
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperphosphatemia
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperphosphatemia

Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder that's used to lower phosphate levels in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. The medication works by attaching to the phosphate from your meals so your body doesn't absorb the extra phosphate. Calcium acetate is taken by mouth with each meal you have. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and high calcium levels in the blood.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 21, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Calcium acetate?

What is Calcium acetate used for?

How Calcium acetate works

Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder. It attaches to the phosphate in your food before the phosphate can be absorbed by your body. Your body then gets rid of this extra phosphate through your stool. This helps lower your blood phosphate levels to protect your kidneys and bones.

Are you looking for information on calcium carbonate (Tums) for heartburn instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPhosLo, Phoslyra (brands no longer available)
Drug ClassPhosphate binder
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$135.29(save 81.83%)
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$24.58
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What are the side effects of Calcium acetate?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Very high calcium levels: tiredness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, constipation, bone pain, confusion, delirium

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

confusion

constipation

depression

dry mouth

full or partial loss of consciousness

headache

incoherent speech

increased urination

loss of appetite

metallic taste

muscle weakness

nausea or vomiting

thirst

unusual tiredness

weight loss

Incidence not known

Swelling

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

Less common

Itching

Incidence not known

Dizziness

weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Calcium acetate

thumbs-up

Pros

Few side effects

Dose can be adjusted by your provider if needed

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Must take with each meal for it to work

Should avoid calcium-containing supplements and antacids because of risk for high calcium levels

Not approved for use in children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Calcium acetate

pharmacist

  • Take calcium acetate with each meal you have during your day. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take calcium acetate with snacks too.

    • Tell your providers and pharmacists about all the medications you take. Calcium acetate might affect how well the body absorbs other medications you take by mouth. To lower this risk, your providers might recommend that you take your other oral medications 1 hour before or 3 hours after calcium acetate.

      • It's best to avoid taking products that contain calcium, like some supplements or antacids (e.g., Tums), while you're taking calcium acetate. Taking this medication with calcium-containing products can raise your risk for high blood calcium levels. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether your other medications have calcium in them.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Calcium acetate

        Can calcium acetate capsules be opened?
        The manufacturer doesn't say whether calcium acetate capsules can be opened, so you should swallow them whole to make sure the medication works as it should. Talk to your provider if you have trouble swallowing the capsules. Your provider can recommend other phosphate binders that might be easier to take, such as sevelamer carbonate (Renvela).
        Can calcium acetate be crushed?
        The manufacturer doesn't say whether the calcium acetate tablets or capsules can be crushed. You should swallow them whole to make sure the medication works the best it can. Speak with your provider if you have trouble swallowing the tablets or capsules whole. Your provider can recommend other phosphate binders that might be easier to take, such as lanthanum (Fosrenol) or sevelamer carbonate (Renvela).
        When should you take calcium acetate?
        You should take calcium acetate whenever you eat a meal. Ask your provider if you should take the medication with any snacks as well. Calcium acetate works by attaching to the phosphate in your food so your body can't absorb it. So, the medication won't work if you take it on an empty stomach because there's no food for it to attach to.
        Can you buy calcium acetate over the counter?
        You'll typically need a prescription for calcium acetate from your provider so the pharmacy can fill it for you. But you might be able to find certain products that contain calcium acetate over the counter. Keep in mind that products sold over the counter aren't regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications are. Additionally, it's best to check with your provider before taking anything that's over the counter. If you have kidney problems, your provider will want to make sure you're taking the correct dose, the medication is working well for you, and that it's safe for you.
        Does calcium acetate increase calcium levels?
        It's possible for calcium acetate to raise your calcium levels. In fact, having higher calcium levels in the blood is a common side effect of the medication. Symptoms can include constipation, nausea, vomiting, and low appetite. And severely high calcium levels can lead to confusion and bone pain. Sometimes, you might not realize that your calcium levels are high. That's why your provider will check your blood calcium levels during treatment through blood tests to make sure the medication is safe for you. Tell your provider if you notice any symptoms of high calcium levels.
        Can you take sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and calcium acetate together?
        It's not clear whether it's safe to take more than one phosphate binder at the same time, such as sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and calcium acetate together. They both work to attach to phosphate in food to prevent the body from absorbing the phosphate. This helps lower phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Discuss with your provider about what your treatment options are if taking one of these medications alone isn't enough to lower your phosphate levels.
        Is Renvela the same as calcium acetate?
        Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and calcium acetate aren't the same medication. They're both phosphate binders that work similarly to lower phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But since Renvela isn't a calcium-based phosphate binder, it doesn't have a risk of causing high calcium levels in the blood like calcium acetate does. In addition, both Renvela and calcium acetate are pills that are taken by mouth, but Renvela has another formulation (packets of powder) that can be turned into a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing. Talk with your provider to see which medication is right for you.
        What's the difference between calcium acetate and calcium carbonate?
        Calcium acetate and calcium carbonate are two different forms of calcium. Some studies suggest that calcium carbonate has some use in lowering phosphate levels in people with kidney problems, but it doesn't seem to work as well as calcium acetate for this purpose. Calcium carbonate (commonly known as Tums) is mainly used to help relieve indigestion and heartburn. Talk to your provider if you've been prescribed both of these medications to make sure it's safe to take them together. In general, it's best to avoid taking more than one calcium product at the same time to prevent the dangers of taking too much calcium.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Calcium acetate?

        Calcium acetate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        High calcium levels in the blood

        • Risk factors: Taking calcium supplements | Taking other medications containing calcium (e.g., antacids) | Eating calcium-rich foods

          Calcium acetate can raise your blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). This can sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, or a loss of appetite. But it can also lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems and seizures.

          Make sure you get all your regular blood tests that your provider recommends. Tell your provider if you have any symptoms of having high calcium levels. Depending on how high your calcium levels are, your provider might adjust your dose of calcium acetate or pause your treatment.

          risk-warning

          Interaction with digoxin (Lanoxin)

          Calcium acetate can cause your blood calcium levels to go up. And high calcium levels can raise your risk for digoxin toxicity if you also need to take digoxin (Lanoxin). Digoxin toxicity can cause many problems, including nausea, vision changes, headache, confusion, and heart rhythm problems.

          Tell your healthcare provider if you're also taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Your provider might need to check the levels of digoxin in your blood more often to make sure your medications are safe to take together.

          dosage

          Calcium acetate dosage forms

          The average cost for 180 capsules of 667mg of Calcium acetate is $39.28 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.97% off the average retail price of $135.29.
          capsule
          Capsule
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          667mg180 capsules$39.28$0.22
          tablet
          Tablet
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          667mg90 tablets$24.58$0.27

          Typical dosing for Calcium acetate

          • Calcium acetate capsules and tablets: The typical starting dose is 1,334 mg (2 pills) by mouth with every meal. Each pill contains 667 mg of calcium acetate. Your provider will adjust your dose based on the phosphate levels in your blood.

          interactions

          Interactions between Calcium acetate and other drugs

          Calcium acetate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Calcium acetate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

          drug-cost

          How much does Calcium acetate cost?

          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
          PhosLo (brand)
          GoodRx lowest price

          $24.58

          (save 81.83%)
          Calcium acetate (generic)
          GoodRx lowest price

          $24.58

          (save 81.83%)
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          contraindications-icon

          Calcium acetate contraindications

          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Calcium acetate will not be safe for you to take.
          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Calcium acetate?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcium acetate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Calcium acetate
          Used for:
          $24.58 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
          Used for:

          • High blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis

          $30.19 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Lanthanum (Fosrenol)
          Used for:

          • High blood phosphate levels in advanced kidney disease

          $160.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          images

          Calcium acetate images

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          Blue And White Suven 667 - Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsule
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          Blue Hp 531 Hp 531 - Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsule
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          Blue And White 667 Mg Ig 377 - Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsule
          This medicine is Blue And White Capsule Imprinted With "667 Mg Ig 377".Blue And White 667 Mg Ig 377 - Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsule
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          This medicine is Blue And White Capsule Imprinted With "S086 S086".Blue And White S086 S086 - Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsule

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          References

          Best studies we found

          American Kidney Fund. (2024). High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia).

          Chartwell RX, LLC. (2023). Calcium acetate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Elkins, L. (2015). Your kidney-friendly food plan: Managing phosphorus. American Kidney Fund.

          View All References (8)

          Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Calcium acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Jovanovich, A., et al. (2019). Time to reconsider calcium-based phosphate binders in dialysis? A call for a well-designed randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

          MedlinePlus. (2023). Digitalis toxicity.

          MedlinePlus. (2023). Phosphate in blood.

          MedlinePlus. (2024). Hypercalcemia.

          National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

          Nephro-Tech, Inc. (2016). Calphron- mineral supplement containing calcium acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Wang, Y., et al. (2015). Calcium acetate or calcium carbonate for hyperphosphatemia of hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis. Public Library of Science One.

          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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