Prescription Required
Description
PhosLo is an oral tablet made up of a phosphate binder called calcium acetate. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 667mg!
PhosLo is prescribed to patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease to help lower high blood phosphate levels. Dialysis will help remove some of the phosphate but it isn’t capable of removing enough to keep a healthy blood phosphate level. Achieving the correct level of phosphate can help strengthen your bones, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in the body, and may also lower the risk of heart disease and strokes that can be a result of high phosphate levels.
PhosLo (calcium acetate) is effective at balancing out the phosphate levels in the blood because calcium acetate is a natural mineral that works by clinging to the phosphate from the diet and forcing it to pass through and out of your body.
Directions
Only take this medication the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not take more or less of a dose. Your doctor may need to change your dose from time to time to ensure you get the best results. Take this medication with each meal, which is typically 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening). You may need to keep a food diary during the duration of treatment to measure how much calcium you are getting through your diet. In order to determine how long to treat your condition with PhosLo, your doctor may need to run frequent medical tests.
Store this medication at room temperature in a low risk environment of moisture or heat.
Cautions
Do not use PhosLo (calcium acetate)
PhosLo should not be used by patients who are allergic to calcium acetate or those with high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Before using this drug, ensure you tell your doctor about all medical conditions you may have, especially if you have kidney disease or if you also take digoxin.
Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breast feeding. You will need a dose adjustment during these times.
Risks
This medication should not be given to a child without the medical advice of a doctor.
Side Effects
Common side effects of PhosLo (calcium acetate) may include:
- increased calcium in the blood nausea; or diarrhea.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of:
- high levels of calcium in your blood: nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, lack of energy, or tired feeling.
FAQs
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take the miss dose as soon as you remember or skip it if your next dose is approaching soon. Do not attempt to make up for a miss dose by doubling up on dosages.
What is the average dose for an adult?
The average dose for an adult is 2 capsules with each meal of the day (x3 a day) but some require 3-4 tablets per meal.
What should I avoid while using this product?
During treatment, you will want to avoid calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil), calcium supplements, antacids that contain calcium, iron supplements. These types of drugs may interact with PhosLo.
What else may this mediation be used for?
Additionally, this medication may be used for controlling phosphate levels to prevent them from getting too high in people with kidney failure.
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