Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for many functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

Calcium and vitamin D combination is used to treat or prevent a calcium deficiency.

There are many brands and forms of calcium and vitamin D combination available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Calcium and vitamin D combination may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Check the label of your calcium and vitamin D combination product to see if it should be taken with or without food.

Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Calcium and vitamin D may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes dietary changes. Learn about the foods that contain calcium and vitamin D.

Your supplement dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

Calcium - General Range: 1000 mg to 1300 mg daily

Vitamin D - General Range: 200 international units to 800 international units daily

Note: While much larger vitamin D dosages have been recommended as a single agent, many calcium-vitamin D combination supplements will contain approximately 200 international units to 400 international units of vitamin D per dose.

Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement:

Calcium - General Range: 1000 mg to 1300 mg daily

Vitamin D - General Range: 200 international units to 800 international units daily

Note: While much larger vitamin D dosages have been recommended as a single agent, many calcium-vitamin D combination supplements will contain approximately 200 international units to 400 international units of vitamin D per dose.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if calcium and vitamin D combination is safe to use if you have:

• kidney disease;

• kidney stones;

• heart disease;

• cancer;

• high levels of calcium in your blood;

• circulation problems; or

• a parathyroid gland disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking calcium and vitamin D combination.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of too much calcium in your body, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• increased thirst or urination;

• muscle weakness, bone pain; or

• confusion, lack of energy, or feeling tired.

Common side effects of calcium and vitamin D combination may include:

• an irregular heartbeat;

• weakness, drowsiness, headache;

• dry mouth, or a metallic taste in your mouth; or

• muscle or bone pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines, and some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin D. If you take other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after you take calcium and vitamin D combination.

Other drugs may affect calcium and vitamin D combination, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.