What is PhosLo?
The mineral calcium is essential for many functions of the body, including bone growth and maintenance. Calcium may also bond with other minerals like phosphate, which aids in their elimination in the human body.
PhosLo can be used to regulate phosphate levels in order to prevent them from rising too much for people suffering from kidney disease who require dialysis. PhosLo could be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of PhosLo
Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
PhosLo could cause severe adverse consequences. Stop using PhosLo immediately and contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Excessive levels of calcium in your blood; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation, an increase in thirst or urination, bone pain, muscle weakness, confusion, and a loss of energy or feeling.
Common adverse effects of PhosLo could include:
- Increased levels of calcium in the blood
- Nausea; or
- Diarrhea.
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Calcium acetate, aluminum hydroxide, phosphorus, and amphojel
Warnings
It is not recommended to take PhosLo if you have a high level of calcium in your blood.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to take PhosLo if you have an allergy to it or excessive levels of calcium in your blood.
Tell your doctor if:
- The kidney disease becomes more severe. Your kidney disease gets worse.
- You can also take dioxin (digitalis, lanoxin).
Consult your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. It isn't known if PhosLo can harm an unborn baby; however, having kidney problems or the development of an overcalcemia during pregnancy could result in complications for both the baby and mother. The benefits of taking this medicine during pregnancy might outweigh the risks.
Discuss with your doctor if you are nursing. PhosLo is not a valid product for use by anyone less than 18 years old
How to take PhosLo?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. The doctor might alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Make use of the syringe for dosing or a dosage-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon). Consume your capsule along with food. You might be required to keep an eating diary to track the amount of calcium you're receiving from your food.
There is a chance that you will require frequent medical tests. Even if there are no symptoms, tests may aid your doctor in determining whether PhosLo is a good option for you. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take any calcium supplements unless your physician has advised you to.
Talk to your doctor prior to using an antacid. Use only the kind recommended by your physician. Some antacids contain calcium.
Interaction with other drugs
If you are taking any of the following medications, be sure to take them in a separate dose from the dosage of calcium acetate:
- A fluoroquinolone antibacterial: Take your PhosLo dose six hours prior to or two hours following the time you took an antibiotic, such as moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, Cipro, or Levaquin.
- Tetracycline antibiotic You should take your PhosLo dose 1 hour prior to or one hour after taking an antibiotic, such as minocycline, doxycycline or tetracycline, Doryx, or Oracea.
- Thyroid medication You should take your PhosLo dose at least 4 hours prior to or 4 hours after taking the thyroid medication.
Other medications can impact PhosLo, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medications you currently use and any medication you begin or stop taking.
