calcium and vitamin D combination

Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, a metallic taste in your mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, decreased appetite, or muscle or bone pain.

Do not take calcium and vitamin D combinations without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them.

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Calcium and vitamin D combinations are used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency.

Calcium and vitamin D combinations may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;
• have (or have had in the past) kidney stones;
• have heart disease;
• have circulation problems;
• have parathyroid gland disease;
• take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, Tetralan, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doryx, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium and vitamin D combinations, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium and vitamin D combinations if you are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium and vitamin D combinations if you are breast-feeding.

Take calcium and vitamin D combinations exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take calcium and vitamin D combinations tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

Store calcium and vitamin D combinations at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a calcium overdose include irregular heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, confusion decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, headache, delirium, stupor, and coma.

If you take other medicines, do not take calcium and vitamin D combinations without first talking to your doctor.

If you experience any of the following side effects, seek emergency medical attention or talk to your doctor:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• an irregular heartbeat;
• nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
• dry mouth;
• constipation;
• weakness;
• headache;
• a metallic taste;
• muscle or bone pain; or
• drowsiness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking calcium and vitamin D combinations, tell your doctor if you are taking

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• antacids containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium;
• other calcium supplements;
• calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or other vitamin D supplements; or
• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, Tetralan, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doryx, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium and vitamin D combinations, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium and vitamin D combinations. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Your pharmacist has additional information about calcium and vitamin D combinations written for health professionals that you may read.

Calcium and vitamin D combinations are available over-the-counter generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.