calcium acetate

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.