What is Adcal D3?
Adcal-D3 contains essential calcium and vitamin D3, both crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It supplements your diet with additional calcium and vitamin D3, making it beneficial in situations where your body requires increased levels of these nutrients. Adcal-D3 is often prescribed by doctors to help manage bone conditions like osteoporosis. Research indicates that long-term use of calcium and vitamin D3 can help prevent hip and other non-vertebral bone fractures as you age.
What are the active ingredients in Adcal D3?
Adcal D3 chewable tablets contain the active ingredients:
- Calcium carbonate (1500mg, equivalent to 600mg calcium)
- Vitamin D3 (400iu, equivalent to 10µg colecalciferol).
What is Adcal D3 used for?
Adcal D3 is designed to boost your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, essential nutrients for promoting healthier, stronger bones and teeth, particularly for individuals who may not get enough from their diet and lifestyle alone. This supplement can be especially beneficial for:
- Individuals with osteoporosis or osteomalacia, as it helps to strengthen bones and prevent further deterioration.
- The elderly, who may have increased nutritional needs or reduced absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
- People with limited mobility or disabilities that restrict their exposure to sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D.
- Women undergoing menopause, a time when bone density can decrease due to hormonal changes.
If you suspect you may be deficient in calcium or vitamin D, it’s important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
How does Adcal D3 work?
Adcal D3 works by providing your body with essential nutrients—calcium and vitamin D3—that are crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
- Calcium: This mineral is a vital component of bone tissue. It helps to build and maintain bone strength, which is especially important in preventing conditions like osteoporosis and osteomalacia, where bones become weak and brittle.
- Vitamin D3: This vitamin plays a key role in helping your body absorb calcium from your diet. Without enough vitamin D3, even if you consume sufficient calcium, your body may not be able to absorb it effectively. Vitamin D3 also helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood, ensuring that there is enough available for bone maintenance and other bodily functions.
By combining calcium and vitamin D3, Adcal D3 ensures that your body has both the raw material (calcium) and the necessary tool (vitamin D3) to use that material effectively, supporting overall bone health and reducing the risk of fractures and other bone-related issues.
How do you take Adcal D3?
Always take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or as outlined in this leaflet. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
For adults, elderly, and children over 12 years of age:
- Take 2 tablets daily, preferably one in the morning and one in the evening. Adcal-D3 tablets should be chewed; do not swallow them whole.
For children under 12 years of age:
- Adcal-D3 is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
If you take more Adcal-D3 than recommended:
- Only take the amount your doctor advises. If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you are unable to reach them, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, bringing the Adcal-D3 pack and any remaining tablets with you.
If you forget to take Adcal-D3:
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed tablet.
If you decide to stop taking Adcal-D3, it’s important to consult your doctor or pharmacist first. If you have any additional questions about using this medicine, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Who should not take Adcal D3?
Do not take Adcal-D3 if:
- You are allergic to calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, or any other ingredients in this medicine (refer to section 6).
- You have an allergy to peanuts or soya, as Adcal-D3 contains soya oil.
Warnings and precautions:
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Adcal-D3, especially if you:
- Have high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcaemia) or urine (hypercalciuria). If you’re unsure, your doctor can provide guidance.
- Have kidney problems, such as kidney stones.
- Have sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation and lumps of cells in various organs). Your doctor can diagnose this.
- Have been informed by your doctor that you have an intolerance to certain sugars.
- Are currently taking any other medications, including those purchased without a prescription.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
During pregnancy or while breastfeeding, Adcal-D3 should only be used under medical supervision. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medication.
Adcal-D3 with Food
Avoid taking this medicine within 2 hours of consuming foods high in oxalic acid (e.g., spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (e.g., bran), or phytic acid (e.g., whole cereals), as these can interfere with its absorption.
Important Information About Ingredients in Adcal-D3
Adcal-D3 contains a small amount of sugar, which may be harmful to your teeth if used over an extended period. Additionally, Adcal-D3 contains soya oil; if you are allergic to peanuts or soya, do not use this medicine.
What are the side effects of Adcal D3?
Like all medications, Adcal-D3 can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Allergic reactions – symptoms may include itching, wheezing, rash, and swelling of the tongue or throat. If you experience an allergic reaction, stop taking the tablets immediately and seek medical attention.
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- Constipation, wind, nausea, stomach ache, or diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) or hypercalciuria (excess calcium in the urine)
If you are on long-term treatment, your doctor may periodically check your blood calcium levels and monitor kidney function through urine samples.
Reporting of Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, including any possible side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Does Adcal D3 interact with other medicines?
Inform your doctor if you are taking calcium supplements, antacids for indigestion, digitalis drugs (e.g., Lanoxin), diuretics, or corticosteroids.
If you are using thyroxine, bisphosphonates, iron or fluoride supplements, or tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, ensure your doctor is aware. You should leave a gap of about 4 hours between taking these medicines and your Adcal-D3 tablets. Do not take them simultaneously.
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take.
Adcal D3 FAQs
What is Adcal D3 and how does it work?
Adcal D3 is a supplement containing calcium and vitamin D3 (colecalciferol), essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is used by individuals who cannot absorb adequate calcium and vitamin D from their diet and lifestyle alone, such as those with osteoporosis or osteomalacia, the elderly, or people with limited exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is crucial as it aids the body in absorbing calcium effectively. Adcal D3 helps prevent bones from becoming weak and brittle by increasing calcium and vitamin D levels in the body.
What is Adcal D3 used for?
Adcal D3 is used to boost daily calcium and vitamin D intake, supporting stronger bones and teeth in individuals unable to meet their needs through diet and lifestyle alone. It is particularly beneficial for people with osteoporosis or osteomalacia, the elderly, those with limited sunlight exposure, and women going through menopause. If you're unsure whether you're deficient in calcium and vitamin D, consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Adcal D3 for osteoporosis
For individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis, Adcal D3 may be recommended to help improve bone strength by increasing calcium and vitamin D levels. Before starting supplements, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for the best approach to managing osteoporosis or other bone disorders.
Is Adcal D3 good for you?
Adcal D3 is beneficial for individuals at risk of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, providing an easy way to increase absorption when dietary intake and sunlight exposure are insufficient. However, it’s essential only to take Adcal D3 if you have a confirmed deficiency, as unnecessary supplementation can harm your kidneys. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements.
Adcal D3 alternatives
If Adcal D3 isn't suitable, similar supplements are available under different brand names, such as Accrete D3, Cacit D3, Calfovit D3, and SunVit-D3. The first step in addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiency should always be increasing dietary intake and safe sunlight exposure. If supplements are needed, consult your doctor for the most suitable option.
Adcal D3 warnings
Before taking Adcal D3, be aware of the following:
- It contains soya and should not be used by those allergic to soya or other ingredients.
- Inform your GP if you have conditions such as hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, kidney problems, sarcoidosis, or sugar intolerance.
- Adcal D3 may interact with certain foods and medications, so consult your doctor if you are on other treatments.
Adcal D3 & food
Avoid taking Adcal D3 within two hours of eating foods high in oxalic acid, phosphate, or phytic acid, as these substances can inhibit calcium absorption.
Adcal D3 & Pregnancy
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are at higher risk of vitamin D and calcium deficiency. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking Adcal D3.
Adcal D3 dose
Adcal D3 chewable tablets are suitable for children and adults over 12 years old. The usual dose is 2 tablets daily, chewed, not swallowed whole. If you take too much, seek medical advice immediately.
How long should you take Adcal D3 for?
Take Adcal D3 as long as necessary to address your deficiency. If you continue to need supplementation, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Adcal D3 ingredients
Adcal D3 chewable tablets contain:
- Active ingredients: Calcium carbonate (1500mg, equivalent to 600mg calcium) and Vitamin D3 (400iu, equivalent to 10µg colecalciferol).
- Inactive ingredients include soya oil, gelatin, and sucrose.
Adcal D3 side effects
While many people do not experience side effects, some common ones include constipation, diarrhea, excess wind, stomach pain, and nausea. If you experience severe side effects, such as an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.
Is Adcal D3 safe?
Adcal D3 is safe for those who need it but should only be taken if you have a confirmed deficiency. Overconsumption can lead to excessive calcium in the blood or urine, potentially damaging your kidneys. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking Adcal D3.
Adcal D3 and nausea
Nausea is a possible side effect of Adcal D3. While not dangerous, it can be unpleasant. If nausea prevents you from taking Adcal D3, consult a doctor or pharmacist for alternative options.
