Calcichew D3

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, calcium carbonate, which is a calcium salt used mainly to supplement calcium in the diet, and colecalciferol, otherwise known as vitamin D3. Calcium is needed for the formation of strong bones and healthy teeth and is involved in helping the blood to clot. It is also required to transmit nerve signals and help muscles work. Calcium is found in milk and dairy products, as well as spinach, nuts and sardines. Usually, calcium requirements are met from the diet. However, there are times when the amount of calcium required is increased, such as during pregnancy, when breast feeding or with advancing age. When there is insufficient calcium in the diet to meet the body's needs, supplements are needed, otherwise calcium deficiency can occur. Calcium supplements are useful in osteoporosis; a calcium intake that is twice the recommended daily allowance (RDA) slows the rate of bone loss and reduces the risk of fractures. Colecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is normally obtained primarily from sunlight acting on the skin. It is also consumed in the diet in oily fish and milk products. Vitamin D deficiency develops when there is inadequate exposure to sunlight, such as in elderly people with reduced mobility or who are housebound, or when there is a lack of the vitamin in the diet. Vitamin D is needed for calcium to be absorbed from the gut, and deficiency can lead to low calcium levels and subsequent weakening of bones. This is known as osteomalacia. Vitamin D supplements correct vitamin D deficiency and improve calcium absorption from the gut. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are used to treat osteomalacia and osteoporosis. By increasing vitamin D and calcium in the body they help strengthen the bones. They are also used to supplement the diet during pregnancy, when there are increased requirements for these nutrients. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also given to prevent and treat dietary deficiency, for example in the housebound elderly.

What is it used for?

Osteoporosis

Softening of the bones when there is lack of Vitamin D in the body

Vitamin D and calcium deficiency

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation in pregnancy

Warning!

If you have mild to moderate kidney failure or raised levels of calcium in your urine (hypercalciuria) the amount of calcium in your blood and urine should be regularly monitored while you are taking this medicine.

If you have a history of kidney stones, the amount of calcium excreted in your urine should be monitored while you are taking this medicine.

It is recommended that people receiving long-term treatment with this medicine are monitored for the amount of calcium in their blood and urine, and their kidney function.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

High levels of calcium in the urine (mild hypercalciuria)

History of kidney stones

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)

Kidney stones

Osteoporosis caused by prolonged immobilisation, eg due to paralysis of the legs

Severe kidney failure

Very high levels of calcium in the urine (severe hypercalciuria)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as calcium and vitamin D requirements are increased in these cases. However, you should only use this medicine after consulting your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be sucked or chewed.

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