Hypophos

Indication

Hypophos is indicated for the control of hyperphosphatemia in end stage renal disease (ESRD) and does not promote aluminum absorption.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended initial dose of Hypophos for the adult dialysis patient is 2 tablets with each meal. The dosage may be increased gradually to bring the serum phosphate level below 6 mg/dl, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require 3-4 tablets with each meal.

Precautions

Excessive dosage of Calcium Acetate induces hypercalcemia; therefore, early in the treatment during dosage adjustment serum calcium should be determined twice weekly. Should hypercalcemia develop, the dosage should be reduced or the treatment discontinued immediately depending on the severity of hypercalcemia. Hypophos should not be given to patients on digitalis, because hypercalcemia may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Hypophos therapy should always be started at low dose and should not be increased without careful monitoring of serum calcium. The patient should be informed about compliance with dosage instructions, adherence to instructions about diet and avoidance of the use of nonprescription antacids. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of hypercalcemia.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects: Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Calcium Acetate. It is also not known whether Calcium Acetate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Hypophos should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of Calcium Acetate have not been established.
Geriatric Use
In clinical studies, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between the geriatric and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.