What is Calcium Acetate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Calcium acetate is a prescription medication that helps control high phosphorus levels in your blood. If you have kidney disease, your body might struggle to filter out excess phosphorus, which can lead to serious bone and heart problems over time.

This medication works as a phosphate binder, meaning it grabs onto phosphorus from the food you eat and prevents your body from absorbing too much of it. Think of it as a helpful partner that works alongside your kidneys when they need extra support.

What is Calcium Acetate Used For?

Calcium acetate is primarily prescribed to treat hyperphosphatemia, which means having too much phosphorus in your blood. This condition most commonly affects people with chronic kidney disease or those on dialysis.

When your kidneys aren't working properly, they can't remove phosphorus effectively from your blood. Over time, excess phosphorus can pull calcium from your bones, making them weak and brittle. It can also cause calcium and phosphorus to build up in your blood vessels and soft tissues, potentially leading to heart problems.

Your doctor might also prescribe calcium acetate if you have low calcium levels alongside high phosphorus levels. This medication serves a dual purpose by providing your body with calcium while controlling phosphorus absorption.

How Does Calcium Acetate Work?

Calcium acetate is considered a moderately strong phosphate binder that works directly in your digestive system. When you take it with meals, the calcium in the medication binds to phosphorus from your food before your body can absorb it.

This binding process creates a compound that your body can't absorb, so both the calcium acetate and the bound phosphorus pass through your digestive system and leave your body in your stool. This prevents the phosphorus from entering your bloodstream and causing problems.

The medication doesn't work throughout your entire body like some other drugs do. Instead, it focuses its action specifically in your stomach and intestines, which makes it generally safer with fewer widespread side effects.

How Should I Take Calcium Acetate?

You should take calcium acetate exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically with meals or snacks. Taking it with food is crucial because the medication needs to be present in your stomach when phosphorus from food arrives.

Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break them unless your doctor specifically tells you to. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your pharmacist about whether a liquid form might be available.

It's best to take calcium acetate at the same times each day to maintain consistent levels in your system. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day if you're taking multiple doses. This helps ensure the medication is always available to bind with phosphorus from your meals.

How Long Should I Take Calcium Acetate For?

The length of treatment with calcium acetate depends on your underlying condition and how well your kidneys are functioning. Most people with chronic kidney disease need to take it long-term, often for many years or even permanently.

Your doctor will monitor your phosphorus and calcium levels regularly through blood tests. These tests help determine whether the medication is working effectively and whether your dosage needs adjustment. Never stop taking calcium acetate suddenly without talking to your doctor first.

If you're on dialysis, you'll likely need to continue taking calcium acetate as long as you're receiving dialysis treatments. Some people may be able to reduce their dose or stop the medication if they receive a kidney transplant and their new kidney functions well.

What Are the Side Effects of Calcium Acetate?

Most people tolerate calcium acetate well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about your treatment.

The most common side effects are mild and related to your digestive system:

• Nausea or stomach upset
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Diarrhea

These symptoms often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking calcium acetate with food and drinking plenty of water can help reduce digestive discomfort.

More serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Signs of high calcium levels: confusion, severe constipation, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat
• Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away
• Persistent vomiting
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Bone or muscle pain

Very rarely, some people may develop kidney stones or experience worsening of existing heart conditions. Your doctor will monitor you carefully to catch any serious problems early.

Who Should Not Take Calcium Acetate?

Calcium acetate isn't safe for everyone, and certain medical conditions can make it risky or ineffective. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication.

You should not take calcium acetate if you have:

• High calcium levels in your blood (hypercalcemia)
• A known allergy to calcium acetate or any of its ingredients
• Severe kidney disease with very low urine output
• Certain types of kidney stones
• Sarcoidosis or other conditions that increase calcium absorption

People with the following conditions need extra caution and closer monitoring:

• Heart disease or irregular heart rhythms
• A history of kidney stones
• Digestive disorders that affect absorption
• Low levels of magnesium in the blood
• Parathyroid disorders

Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking, as calcium acetate can interact with many other drugs and affect how well they work.

Calcium Acetate Brand Names

Calcium acetate is available under several brand names, though the generic form works just as effectively. The most common brand name is PhosLo, which has been widely used for many years.

Other brand names include Eliphos and Calphron, though availability may vary depending on your location and pharmacy. Some manufacturers also produce generic versions that contain the same active ingredient at potentially lower costs.

Whether you receive a brand name or generic version, the medication should work the same way. Your pharmacist can help you understand which version your insurance covers and whether there are cost-saving options available.

Calcium Acetate Alternatives

If calcium acetate doesn't work well for you or causes troublesome side effects, several alternative phosphate binders are available. Your doctor can help you find the best option based on your specific needs and medical history.

Non-calcium-based alternatives include:

• Sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela) - doesn't contain calcium, so it won't raise calcium levels
• Lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol) - effective for people who can't take calcium-based binders
• Iron-based phosphate binders like ferric citrate (Auryxia)
• Aluminum-based binders (used only short-term due to toxicity concerns)

Calcium-based alternatives include calcium carbonate, which is sometimes used but may be less effective than calcium acetate. The choice depends on your calcium levels, phosphorus levels, and other individual factors.

Your doctor will consider your lab results, other medications, and personal preferences when recommending alternatives. Sometimes a combination of different phosphate binders works better than using just one type.

Is Calcium Acetate Better Than Calcium Carbonate?

Both calcium acetate and calcium carbonate can help control phosphorus levels, but calcium acetate is generally considered more effective for this purpose. Studies show that calcium acetate binds phosphorus more efficiently, meaning you might need lower doses to achieve the same results.

Calcium acetate also tends to cause less of an increase in calcium levels compared to calcium carbonate. This is important because too much calcium in your blood can cause serious problems, especially for people with kidney disease.

However, calcium carbonate is often less expensive and more widely available since it's sold over-the-counter as a calcium supplement. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and costs of each option based on your specific situation and insurance coverage.