Calcium is a mineral that is needed for many functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals such as phosphate, and aid in their removal from the body.

Calphron is used to control phosphate levels to keep them from getting too high in people with kidney failure who are on dialysis.

Calphron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Calphron if you have high levels of calcium in your blood.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Take the capsule with food.

You may need to keep a food diary to measure how much calcium you are getting in your diet.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if Calphron is effective.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use Calphron if you are allergic to it, or if you have high levels of calcium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if:

• your kidney disease gets worse; or

• you also take digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Calphron will harm an unborn baby, but having kidney failure or developing hypercalcemia during pregnancy may cause complications in the baby and the mother. The benefit of using this medicine during pregnancy may outweigh any risks..

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Calphron is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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.

Do not take additional calcium supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids contain calcium.

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

Calphron may cause serious side effects. Stop using Calphron and call your doctor at once if you have:

• 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.

Common side effects of Calphron may include:

• increased calcium in the blood

• nausea; or

• diarrhea.

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.

If you take any of the following medicines, take them separately from your dose of calcium acetate:

• A fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Take your Calphron dose 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, Cipro, or Levaquin.

• A tetracycline antibiotic: Take your Calphron dose 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take an antibiotic such as doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, Doryx, or Oracea.

• Thyroid medication: Take your Calphron dose 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the thyroid medicine.

Other drugs may affect Calphron, 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.