Caltrate 600+D 600mg/400IU Tablets

Calcium carbonate with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is used to give the body extra calcium and vitamin D when levels need raising. It is often prescribed alongside other treatment for bone conditions such as osteoporosis.

• Calcium is a key building block of bones and teeth.
• Vitamin D3 is also needed for healthy bones and teeth.

Taken together over the long term, calcium and vitamin D can help lower the chance of hip and other fractures later in life.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Chewable tablets must be chewed, not swallowed whole. Follow the leaflet for other forms.
• Avoid taking it within 2 hours of foods rich in oxalic acid (spinach, rhubarb), phosphate (bran) or phytic acid (whole cereals), as these reduce calcium absorption.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, then carry on as normal. Do not take a double dose.

Side effects are rare and may include:

• constipation, wind, feeling sick, stomach ache or diarrhoea
• skin rash
• high calcium levels in the blood or urine with long-term use

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have itching, wheezing, a rash, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Signs of too much calcium include passing a lot of urine, loss of appetite, feeling or being sick, and unusual tiredness or weakness.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have high calcium in your blood or urine, or kidney problems such as kidney stones
• have sarcoidosis
• are allergic to peanut or soya (some brands contain soya oil) or have a sugar intolerance
• take digoxin, diuretics, steroids, orlistat, or other calcium or antacid products
• take thyroxine, bisphosphonates, iron, zinc, strontium, fluoride, or tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics; leave about 4 hours between these and this medicine

Do not store above 25°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Monitoring: if you take it long term, your doctor may check your blood calcium and kidney function.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: use only under medical supervision.

Children: chewable tablets of this type are not for children under 12.