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PhosLo (Oral)

Generic name: calcium acetate [ KAL-see-um-AS-e-tate ]
Brand names: Eliphos, PhosLo, Phoslyra
Drug classes: Minerals and electrolytes, Phosphate binders

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 16, 2024.

Uses for PhosLo

Calcium acetate is used to treat hyperphosphatemia (too much phosphate in the blood) in patients with end stage kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Calcium acetate works by binding with the phosphate in the food you eat, so that it is eliminated from the body without being absorbed.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using PhosLo

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of calcium acetate in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of calcium acetate in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving calcium acetate.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

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.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of PhosLo

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

It is best to take this medicine with meals.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Follow carefully any diet program your doctor may recommend.

If you are taking other medicines, take them at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take calcium acetate oral liquid. If you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away any unused oral liquid after 24 months.

Detailed PhosLo dosage information

Precautions while using PhosLo

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few months of treatment with this medicine, since your dose may have to be adjusted. This is to make sure that this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Sometimes, you might have hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and not have any warning signs. You may need to have blood tests on a regular schedule while you are being treated with this medicine to check the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your blood. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.

If you have mild hypercalcemia, you may lose your appetite and have nausea, vomiting, or constipation. If the problem is severe, you may feel confused or extremely excited. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you think you might have severe hypercalcemia.

Do not take other calcium-containing products including dietary supplements and antacids. Your doctor may adjust the amount of calcium-containing foods you eat. Taking too much calcium while you are taking this medicine can cause hypercalcemia.

Side Effects of PhosLo

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

Incidence not known

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

Less common

Incidence not known

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.

PhosLo side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Phosphate Binder

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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