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Calcium with colecalciferol

  • Calcium with colecalciferol is used as a supplement to help prevent osteoporosis.
  • Make sure you know how to take the preparation you have been given. Some brands of tablets are chewable, others are dissolved in water. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist for advice.

About calcium with colecalciferol

Type of medicineMineral and vitamin supplement
Used forTo promote healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis
Also calledAdcal-D3®, Adcal-D3® Dissolve
Cacit D3®
Calceos®
Calcichew D3®, Calcichew D3 Forte®
Calfovit D3®
Kalcipos-D®
Natecal D3®
Sandocal®+D
(Colecalciferol is also known as Vitamin D3)
Available asCaplets, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, effervescent granules, and powder

Calcium and colecalciferol (vitamin D3) are important for bone health. Your body needs adequate supplies of colecalciferol in order to absorb the calcium that you eat or drink in your diet. Foods that are good sources of colecalciferol are oily fish (such as sardine, herring, salmon and tuna), liver, dairy products and egg yolks. Colecalciferol is also made by your body after exposure to the sun. The ultraviolet rays in sunshine trigger your skin to make vitamin D.

A long term lack of calcium and colecalciferol results in softening of the bones. In adults this can cause osteoporosis, backache, muscle weakness, bone pain and fractures.

Before taking calcium with colecalciferol

Before taking calcium with colecalciferol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you know you have high levels of calcium in your blood or urine.
  • If you have ever had kidney stones.
  • If you have sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take calcium with colecalciferol

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take calcium with colecalciferol exactly as advised by your doctor. Read the label on your pack carefully.
  • If you are taking tablets, check the label to see if you have been given chewable tablets. If so, suck or chew your dose before swallowing.
  • If you have been given effervescent tablets, powder or granules, dissolve your dose into water. Stir, and then drink the solution straight away.
  • Try to take calcium with colecalciferol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with calcium and colecalciferol.

Can calcium with colecalciferol cause problems?

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however you experience any worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store calcium with colecalciferol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 7227DocRef: dils3933Last Reviewed: 31 May 2011Version: 6
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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