Adcal-D3 750mg/200iu Caplets Pack of 112

Swallowed, not chewed

This is the caplet form of Adcal-D3, for anyone who would rather swallow a tablet than chew one. Each caplet is a smaller strength than the chewable tablets, so the dose is different: two caplets twice daily rather than two tablets once daily. Across a day that works out at the same 1500mg of calcium carbonate and 400 I.U. of vitamin D3.

Who it is for

Adcal-D3 is used for the prevention and treatment of low calcium and vitamin D3. You are more likely to be at risk of low calcium and vitamin D3 if you are over 65, are female, are housebound, have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, or have a family history of osteoporosis.

The 112 pack

At four caplets a day, a bottle of 112 lasts 28 days. It is worth noting the dosing when comparing pack sizes across the range, since the chewable tablets at two a day last twice as long per hundred tablets.

Before you take them

These caplets interact with a number of common medicines, including thyroxine, bisphosphonates, zinc, strontium ranelate, iron and some antibiotics, all of which need to be taken about four hours apart from these. They should not be taken by anyone with severe kidney failure or high blood calcium. Read the warnings in full and check with your pharmacist if you take anything else regularly.

Practical details

• Calcium carbonate 750mg (300mg calcium) and vitamin D3 200 I.U. per caplet
• Two caplets twice daily
• Orange, capsule-shaped, film-coated
• Adults, elderly and children over 12 years
• Bottle of 112, a 28 day supply
• Contains sucrose; essentially sodium-free

• Adults, elderly and children over 12 years of age: Swallow 2 caplets twice daily, ideally two caplets in the morning and two in the evening.
• Children under 12: Do not give Adcal-D3 Caplets to children under 12 years.

Do not take this medicine within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (such as spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (such as bran), or phytic acid (such as whole cereals).

If you forget to take your caplets, take them as soon as possible and then continue as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten caplets.

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you stop taking the caplets.

If you take too many caplets, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you cannot, go to your nearest hospital casualty department immediately, taking the pack and remaining tablets with you. Signs of overdose may include a frequent urge to urinate, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and unusual tiredness or weakness.

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Do not take if you

• are allergic to calcium carbonate, vitamin D3 or any of the other ingredients
• have measured high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcaemia)
• have severe kidney failure

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking if you

• have been previously diagnosed with osteoporosis due to long periods of inactivity, such as long-term bed rest
• have problems with your kidneys, for example a history of kidney stones. Signs of kidney stones include pain in the abdomen or groin, high temperature, feeling sweaty, nausea, vomiting, blood in urine or urine infection
• have measured high levels of calcium in your blood or urine. Signs of hypercalcaemia include abdominal pain, excessive thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and constipation
• have been told you have sarcoidosis. Signs typically include tender red bumps on the skin, shortness of breath or a persistent cough
• have previously been told you have an intolerance to some sugars
• are taking any other medication, including anything bought without a prescription

If you are concerned you may have any of the health conditions listed above, make an appointment with your doctor.

Other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking calcium supplements or antacids for indigestion, digitalis drugs such as Lanoxin, diuretics or corticosteroids. Tell your doctor if you are taking orlistat, as this may reduce absorption of vitamin D.

If you are taking thyroxine, bisphosphonates, zinc, strontium ranelate, iron or fluoride medicines, or tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows. Leave a period of about 4 hours between those medicines and your caplets.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

In pregnancy or when breast-feeding, Adcal-D3 Caplets should only be used under medical supervision. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Information about some of the ingredients

• Contains sucrose. If you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

Possible side effects

Frequency not known: allergic reactions, with symptoms including itching, wheezing, rash, and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking the tablets and seek medical attention immediately.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): constipation, wind, feeling sick, stomach ache, diarrhoea; skin rash; hypercalcaemia or hypercalciuria.

If you take this medicine for a long time, talk to your doctor, as they may wish to test the levels of calcium in your blood and urine.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Active substances: each caplet contains calcium carbonate 750mg (equivalent to 300mg elemental calcium) and vitamin D3 200 I.U. (equivalent to 5 micrograms colecalciferol).

Tablet core: colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, modified food starch, sucrose, sodium ascorbate, medium chain triglycerides, silicon dioxide, DL-alpha-tocopherol and pregelatinized starch.

Orange film-coat: hypromellose, polydextrose, acacia, talc, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow and iron oxide red.