Calcium Carbonate Tab

GENERIC NAME: CALCIUM (KAL-see-um) CARBONATE (KAR-bo-nate)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a dietary supplement used for treating or preventing calcium deficiency. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including high blood; phosphate levels; high levels of calcium in the urine; heart problems; hardening of the arteries; kidney problems; kidney stones; sarcoidosis; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated; if you take digoxin; or if you have taken a direct thrombin inhibitor (e.g., dabigatran) within the past 24 hours. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have high blood calcium levels. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with or without food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 ml). DO NOT TAKE AN ANTACID that has aluminum in it within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. IF YOU TAKE azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), bisphosphonates (e.g., etidronate), cation exchange resins (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate), cephalosporins (e.g., cefdinir), direct thrombin inhibitors (e.g., dabigatran), iron, mycophenolate quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), tetracyclines (eg, minocycline), or thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine), ask your doctor how to take it with this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor or on the package label.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. DO NOT TAKE large doses of vitamins while you use this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. SOME OF THESE PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN SOY. If you are allergic to soy, ask our pharmacist if your product has soy in it. TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST that you take this medicine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. LAB TESTS, including serum calcium levels may be performed to monitor your condition or check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LAB APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact our doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you use this medicine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience loss of appetite; nausea; severe or persistent constipation; or vomiting. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

OVERDOSE: IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; delirium; loss of consciousness; mood or mental changes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.