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FDA Drug information

Calcium Acetate

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 19 Apr 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Hypercalcemia is discussed elsewhere [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical studies, calcium acetate has been generally well tolerated. Calcium acetate was studied in a 3-month, open-label, non-randomized study of 98 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients and an alternate liquid formulation of calcium acetate was studied in a two-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 69 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients. Adverse reactions (>2% on treatment) from these trials are presented in Table 1. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis Preferred Term Total adverse reactions reported for calcium acetate n=167 n (%) 3-mo, open- label study of calcium acetate n=98 n (%) Double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of liquid calcium acetate n=69 Calcium acetate n (%) Placebo n (%) Nausea 6 (3.6) 6 (6.1) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) Vomiting 4 (2.4) 4 (4.1) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) Hypercalcemia 21 (12.6) 16 (16.3) 5 (7.2) 0 (0.0) Mild hypercalcemia may be asymptomatic or manifest itself as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. More severe hypercalcemia is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma. Decreasing dialysate calcium concentration could reduce the incidence and severity of calcium acetate-induced hypercalcemia. Isolated cases pruritus have been reported, which may represent allergic reactions. 6.2 Post marketing Experience Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval of calcium acetate: dizziness, edema, and weakness.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Patients with hypercalcemia.

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Calcium acetate, USP acts as a phosphate binder. Its chemical name is Calcium acetate, USP. Its molecular formula is C 4 H 6 CaO 4 , and its molecular weight is 158.17. Its structural formula is: Each opaque capsule with a blue cap and white body is spin printed in blue and white ink with “SUVEN” printed on the cap and “667” printed on the body. Each capsule contains 667 mg calcium acetate, USP (anhydrous; Ca(CH 3 COO) 2 ; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) calcium, and water as the inert binder, crospovidone and sodium stearyl fumarate . The gelatin cap and body have the following inactive ingredients: FD&C blue 1, D&C red 28, titanium dioxide and gelatin. Imprinting ink on capsule body contains shellac and FD&C 2 Aluminum Lake and imprinting ink on capsule cap contains shellac, titanium dioxide and potassium hydroxide. Calcium acetate capsules are administered orally for the control of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal failure. Meets USP Dissolution Test 4 Structure

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended initial dose of calcium acetate capsules for the adult dialysis patient is 2 capsules with each meal. Increase the dose gradually to lower serum phosphorus levels to the target range, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require 3 to 4 capsules with each meal.

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder indicated to reduce serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Administration of calcium acetate in excess of the appropriate daily dosage may result in hypercalcemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Adverse Reactions Table

Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Preferred Term

Total adverse reactions reported for calcium acetate

n=167 n (%)

3-mo, open- label study of calcium acetate

n=98 n (%)

Double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of liquid calcium acetate

n=69

Calcium acetate n (%) Placebo n (%)
Nausea6 (3.6)6 (6.1)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)
Vomiting4 (2.4)4 (4.1)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)
Hypercalcemia21 (12.6)16 (16.3)5 (7.2)0 (0.0)

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The drug interaction of calcium acetate is characterized by the potential of calcium to bind to drugs with anionic functions (e.g., carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups). Calcium acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones via this mechanism. There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between calcium acetate and most concomitant drugs. When administering an oral medication with calcium acetate where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy, administer the drug one hour before or three hours after calcium acetate. Monitor blood levels of the concomitant drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range. Patients taking anti-arrhythmic medications for the control of arrhythmias and anti-seizure medications for the control of seizure disorders were excluded from the clinical trials with all forms of calcium acetate. 7.1 Ciprofloxacin In a study of 15 healthy subjects, a co-administered single dose of 4 calcium acetate tablets, approximately 2.7g, decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Patients with ESRD retain phosphorus and can develop hyperphosphatemia. High serum phosphorus can precipitate serum calcium resulting in ectopic calcification. Hyperphosphatemia also plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD. 12.1 Mechanism of Action Calcium acetate, when taken with meals, combines with dietary phosphate to form an insoluble calcium phosphate complex, which is excreted in the feces, resulting in decreased serum phosphorus concentration. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Orally administered calcium acetate from pharmaceutical dosage forms is systemically absorbed up to approximately 40% under fasting conditions and up to approximately 30% under non-fasting conditions. This range represents data from both healthy subjects and renal dialysis patients under various conditions.

Effective Time

20221019

Version

3

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsule: 667 mg calcium acetate, USP per capsule.

Spl Product Data Elements

Calcium Acetate Calcium Acetate CALCIUM ACETATE CALCIUM CATION D&C RED NO. 28 WATER FD&C BLUE NO. 1 FD&C BLUE NO. 1 ALUMINUM LAKE Cap, Opaque Suven;667 Body,Opaque

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility studies have been conducted with calcium acetate.

Application Number

ANDA211038

Brand Name

Calcium Acetate

Generic Name

Calcium Acetate

Product Ndc

16571-813

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

ORAL

Package Label Principal Display Panel

Calcium Acetate Capsules USP Rising Pharmaceuticals NDC 16571-813-20 Calcium Acetate Capsules USP 667 mg* 200 Capsules Rx Only *Each capsule contains: 667 mg calcium acetate, USP equivalent to 169 mg calcium DIRECTIONS: SWALLOW CAPSULE. DO NOT CHEW. Take as directed by your physician. KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Manufactured By: Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited Pashamylaram, Telangana, 502307, India M.L No.: 24/MD/AP/2009/F/CC Distributed By: Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. East Brunswick, NJ, 08816 Lb50318-1-00 Rev. 08/2021 Label

Spl Patient Package Insert Table

Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Preferred Term

Total adverse reactions reported for calcium acetate

n=167 n (%)

3-mo, open- label study of calcium acetate

n=98 n (%)

Double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of liquid calcium acetate

n=69

Calcium acetate n (%) Placebo n (%)
Nausea6 (3.6)6 (6.1)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)
Vomiting4 (2.4)4 (4.1)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)
Hypercalcemia21 (12.6)16 (16.3)5 (7.2)0 (0.0)

Clinical Studies

14 CLINICAL STUDIES Effectiveness of calcium acetate in decreasing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated in two studies of the calcium acetate solid oral dosage form. Ninety-one patients with end-stage renal disease who were undergoing hemodialysis and were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL) following a 1-week phosphate binder washout period contributed efficacy data to an open-label, non-randomized study. The patients received calcium acetate 667 mg tablets at each meal for a period of 12 weeks. The initial starting dose was 2 tablets per meal for 3 meals a day, and the dose was adjusted as necessary to control serum phosphorus levels. The average final dose after 12 weeks of treatment was 3.4 tablets per meal. Although there was a decrease in serum phosphorus, in the absence of a control group the true magnitude of effect is uncertain. The data presented in Table 2 demonstrate the efficacy of calcium acetate in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients. The effects on serum calcium levels are also presented. Table 2: Average Serum Phosphorous and Calcium Levels at Pre-Study, Interim, and Study Completion Time points Parameter Pre-Study Week 4 b Week 8 Week 12 p-value c Phosphorous (mg/dL) a 7.4 ± 0.17 5.9 ± 0.16 5.6 ± 0.17 5.2 ± 0.17 ≤0.01 Calcium 8.9 ± 0.09 9.5 ± 0.10 9.7 ± 0.10 9.7 ± 0.10 ≤0.01 a Values expressed as mean ± SE. b Ninety-one patients completed at least 6 weeks of the study. c ANOVA of difference in values at pre-study and study completion. There was a 30% decrease in serum phosphorus levels during the 12-week study period (p<0.01). Two-thirds of the decline occurred in the first month of the study. Serum calcium increased 9% during the study mostly in the first month of the study. Treatment with the phosphate binder was discontinued for patients from the open-label study, and those patients whose serum phosphorus exceeded 5.5 mg/dL were eligible for entry into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Patients were randomized to receive calcium acetate or placebo, and each continued to receive the same number of tablets as had been individually established during the previous study. Following 2 weeks of treatment, patients switched to the alternative therapy for an additional 2 weeks. The phosphate binding effect of calcium acetate is shown in the Table 3. Table 3: Serum Phosphorous and Calcium Levels at Study Initiation and After Completion of Each Treatment Arm Parameter Pre-Study Post Treatment p-value b Calcium Acetate Placebo Phosphorous (mg/dL) a 7.3 ± 0.18 5.9 ± 0.24 7.8 ± 0.22 <0.01 Calcium (mg/dL)a 8.9 ± 0.11 9.5 ± 0.13 8.8 ± 0.12 <0.01 a Values expressed as mean ± SEM b ANOVA of calcium acetate vs. placebo after 2 weeks of treatment. Overall, 2 weeks of treatment with calcium acetate statistically significantly (p<0.01) decreased serum phosphorus by a mean of 19% and increased serum calcium by a statistically significant (p<0.01) but clinically unimportant mean of 7%.

Clinical Studies Table

Table 2: Average Serum Phosphorous and Calcium Levels at Pre-Study, Interim, and Study Completion Time points
ParameterPre-StudyWeek 4 bWeek 8Week 12p-value c
Phosphorous (mg/dL) a7.4 ± 0.175.9 ± 0.165.6 ± 0.175.2 ± 0.17≤0.01
Calcium8.9 ± 0.099.5 ± 0.109.7 ± 0.109.7 ± 0.10≤0.01

Use In Specific Populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Calcium acetate capsules contains calcium acetate. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with calcium acetate, and there are no adequate and well controlled studies of calcium acetate use in pregnant women. Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia with calcium acetate treatment [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Maintenance of normal serum calcium levels is important for maternal and fetal well-being. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy may increase the risk for maternal and neonatal complications such as stillbirth, preterm delivery, and neonatal hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. Calcium acetate treatment, as recommended, is not expected to harm a fetus if maternal calcium levels are properly monitored during and following treatment. 8.2 Labor and Delivery The effects of calcium acetate on labor and delivery are unknown. 8.3 Nursing Mothers Calcium acetate is excreted in human milk. Human milk feeding by a mother receiving calcium acetate is not expected to harm an infant, provided maternal serum calcium levels are appropriately monitored. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of calcium acetate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Calcium Acetate capsules USP, 667 mg are hard gelatin capsules with blue opaque cap imprinted with “SUVEN” in white color ink and a white opaque body imprinted with “667” blue color ink. Each capsule contains 667 mg calcium acetate (anhydrous Ca(CH 3 COO) 2 ; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) calcium. NDC 16571-813-20 Bottles of 200 with child-resistant closure. STORAGE Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Storage And Handling

STORAGE Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

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