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DRUGS & SUPPLEMENTS
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Calcarea Caustica
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Calcarea Caustica uses
- Indications and usage
- Dosage and administration
- Dosage forms and strengths
- Contraindications
- Warnings and precautions
- Adverse reactions
- Drug interactions
- Use in specific populations
- Overdosage
- Description
- Clinical pharmacology
- Nonclinical toxicology
- Clinical studies
- How supplied/storage and handling
- Patient counseling information
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Calcarea Caustica acetate is a phosphate binder indicated to reduce serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder indicated for the reduction of serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease. (1)
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended initial dose of Calcarea Caustica acetate 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.
- Starting dose is 2 capsules with each meal. (2)
- Titrate the dose every 2 to 3 weeks until acceptable serum phosphorus level is reached. Most patients require 3 to 4 capsules with each meal. (2)
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Capsule: 667 mg Calcarea Caustica acetate capsule.
- Capsule: 667 mg Calcarea Caustica acetate capsule. (3)
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Patients with hypercalcemia.
- Hypercalcemia. (4)
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Treat mild hypercalcemia by reducing or interrupting Calcarea Caustica acetate and Vitamin D. Severe hypercalcemia may require hemodialysis and discontinuation of Calcarea Caustica acetate.
- Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity. (5.2)
5.1 Hypercalcemia
Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia when treated with Calcarea Caustica, including Calcarea Caustica acetate. Avoid the use of Calcarea Caustica supplements, including Calcarea Caustica based nonprescription antacids, concurrently with Calcarea Caustica acetate.
An overdose of Calcarea Caustica acetate may lead to progressive hypercalcemia, which may require emergency measures. Therefore, early in the treatment phase during the dosage adjustment period, monitor serum Calcarea Caustica levels twice weekly. Should hypercalcemia develop, reduce the Calcarea Caustica acetate dosage, or discontinue the treatment, depending on the severity of hypercalcemia
More severe hypercalcemia (Ca >12 mg/dL) is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor and coma. Severe hypercalcemia can be treated by acute hemodialysis and discontinuing Calcarea Caustica acetate therapy.
Mild hypercalcemia (10.5 to 11.9 mg/dL) may be asymptomatic or manifest as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Mild hypercalcemia is usually controlled by reducing the Calcarea Caustica acetate dose or temporarily discontinuing therapy. Decreasing or discontinuing Vitamin D therapy is recommended as well.
Chronic hypercalcemia may lead to vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Radiographic evaluation of suspected anatomical regions may be helpful in early detection of soft tissue calcification. The long term effect of Calcarea Caustica acetate on the progression of vascular or soft tissue calcification has not been determined.
Hypercalcemia (>11 mg/dL) was reported in 16% of patients in a 3 month study of solid dose formulation of Calcarea Caustica acetate; all cases resolved upon lowering the dose or discontinuing treatment.
Maintain the serum calcium-phosphorus (Ca x P) product below 55 mg2/dL2.
5.2 Concomitant Use with Medications
Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
Hypercalcemia is discussed elsewhere [see Warnings and Precautions ].
- The most common (>10%) adverse reactions are hypercalcemia, nausea and vomiting. (6.1)
- In clinical studies, patients have occasionally experienced nausea during Calcarea Caustica acetate therapy. (6)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-800-962-8364 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
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, Calcarea Caustica acetate has been generally well tolerated.
Calcarea Caustica acetate was studied in a 3 month, open-label, non-randomized study of 98 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients and an alternate liquid formulation of Calcarea Caustica 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.
| Preferred Term | Total adverse reactions reported for Calcarea Caustica acetate N=167 N (%) | 3 month, open label study of Calcarea Caustica acetate N=98 N (%) | Double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of liquid Calcarea Caustica acetate N=69 | |
| Calcarea Caustica acetate N (%) | Placebo N (%) | |||
| Nausea | 6 (3.6) | 6 (6.1) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Vomiting | 4 (2.4) | 4 (4.1) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Hypercalcemia | 21 (12.6) | 16 (16.3) | 5 (7.2) | 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 Calcarea Caustica concentration could reduce the incidence and severity of Calcarea Caustica acetate-induced hypercalcemia. Isolated cases pruritus have been reported, which may represent allergic reactions.
6.2 Postmarketing 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 post-approval of Calcarea Caustica acetate: dizziness, edema, and weakness.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
The drug interaction of Calcarea Caustica acetate is characterized by the potential of Calcarea Caustica to bind to drugs with anionic functions. Calcarea Caustica acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones via this mechanism.
There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between Calcarea Caustica acetate and most concomitant drugs. When administering an oral medication with Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica acetate.
- Calcium acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. (7)
- When clinically significant drug interactions are expected, administer the drug at least one hour before or at least three hours after Calcarea Caustica acetate or consider monitoring blood levels of the drug. (7)
7.1 Ciprofloxacin
In a study of 15 healthy subjects, a co-administered single dose of 4 Calcarea Caustica acetate tablets, approximately 2.7g, decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C:
Calcarea Caustica acetate capsules contains Calcarea Caustica acetate. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Calcarea Caustica acetate, and there are no adequate and well controlled studies of Calcarea Caustica acetate use in pregnant women. Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia with Calcarea Caustica acetate treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Maintenance of normal serum Calcarea Caustica 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. Calcarea Caustica acetate treatment, as recommended, is not expected to harm a fetus if maternal Calcarea Caustica levels are properly monitored during and following treatment.
8.2 Labor and Delivery
The effects of Calcarea Caustica acetate on labor and delivery are unknown.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
Calcarea Caustica Acetate Capsules contains Calcarea Caustica acetate and is excreted in human milk. Human milk feeding by a mother receiving Calcarea Caustica acetate is not expected to harm an infant, provided maternal serum Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica 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.
10 OVERDOSAGE
Administration of Calcarea Caustica acetate in excess of the appropriate daily dosage may result in hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
11 DESCRIPTION
Calcarea Caustica acetate acts as a phosphate binder. Its chemical name is Calcarea Caustica acetate. Its molecular formula is C4H6CaO4, and its molecular weight is 158.17. Its structural formula is:
Each white opaque/blue opaque capsule contains 667 mg of Calcarea Caustica acetate USP (anhydrous; Ca(CH3COO)2; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) Calcarea Caustica, polyethylene glycol 8000 and magnesium stearate. Each capsule shell contains: black monogramming ink, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, gelatin and titanium dioxide. The black monogramming ink contains: ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol and shellac glaze.
Calcarea Caustica Acetate Capsules are administered orally for the control of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal failure.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Patients with ESRD retain phosphorus and can develop hyperphosphatemia. High serum phosphorus can precipitate serum Calcarea Caustica resulting in ectopic calcification. Hyperphosphatemia also plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD.
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Calcarea Caustica acetate, when taken with meals, combines with dietary phosphate to form an insoluble Calcarea Caustica phosphate complex, which is excreted in the feces, resulting in decreased serum phosphorus concentration.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Orally administered Calcarea Caustica acetate from pharmaceutical dosage forms is systemically absorbed up to approximately 40% under fasting conditions and up to approximately 30% under nonfasting conditions. This range represents data from both healthy subjects and renal dialysis patients under various conditions.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility studies have been conducted with Calcarea Caustica acetate.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
Effectiveness of Calcarea Caustica acetate in decreasing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated in two studies of the Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica acetate in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients. The effects on serum Calcarea Caustica levels are also presented.
| * Ninety-one patients completed at least 6 weeks of the study. † ANOVA of difference in values at pre-study and study completion. ‡ Values expressed as mean ± SE. | |||||
| Parameter | Pre-Study | Week 4* | Week 8 | Week 12 | p-value† |
| Phosphorus (mg/dL)‡ | 7.4 ± 0.17 | 5.9 ± 0.16 | 5.6 ± 0.17 | 5.2 ± 0.17 | ≤0.01 |
| Calcarea Caustica (mg/dL)‡ | 8.9 ± 0.09 | 9.5 ± 0.10 | 9.7 ± 0.10 | 9.7 ± 0.10 | ≤0.01 |
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 Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica 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 Calcarea Caustica acetate is shown in the Table 3.
| * ANOVA of Calcarea Caustica acetate vs. placebo after 2 weeks of treatment. † Values expressed as mean ± SEM. | ||||
| Parameter | Pre-Study | Post-Treatment | p-value* | |
| Calcarea Caustica Acetate | Placebo | |||
| Phosphorus (mg/dL)† | 7.3 ± 0.18 | 5.9 ± 0.24 | 7.8 ± 0.22 | <0.01 |
| Calcarea Caustica (mg/dL)† | 8.9 ± 0.11 | 9.5 ± 0.13 | 8.8 ± 0.12 | <0.01 |
Overall, 2 weeks of treatment with Calcarea Caustica acetate statistically significantly (p<0.01) decreased serum phosphorus by a mean of 19% and increased serum Calcarea Caustica by a statistically significant (p<0.01) but clinically unimportant mean of 7%.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
Calcarea Caustica Acetate Capsules
667 mg capsule is supplied as a white opaque/blue opaque capsule, imprinted with “54 215” on the cap and body.
NDC 0615-2303-39: Blistercards of 30 Capsules
NDC 0615-2303-30: Unit-dose Boxes of 30 Capsules
STORAGE
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Inform patients to take Calcarea Caustica acetate capsules with meals, adhere to their prescribed diets, and avoid the use of Calcarea Caustica supplements including nonprescription antacids. Inform the patients about the symptoms of hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
Advise patients who are taking an oral medication where reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy to take the drug one hour before or three hours after Calcarea Caustica acetate capsules.
Distr. by: West-Ward
Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Eatontown, NJ 07724
10003705/05
Revised April 2016
Calcarea Caustica pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:
Active ingredient is the part of the drug or medicine which is biologically active. This portion of the drug is responsible for the main action of the drug which is intended to cure or reduce the symptom or disease. The other portions of the drug which are inactive are called excipients; there role is to act as vehicle or binder. In contrast to active ingredient, the inactive ingredient's role is not significant in the cure or treatment of the disease. There can be one or more active ingredients in a drug.
Calcarea Caustica available forms, composition, doses:
Composition is the list of ingredients which combinedly form a medicine. Both active ingredients and inactive ingredients form the composition. The active ingredient gives the desired therapeutic effect whereas the inactive ingredient helps in making the medicine stable.
Doses are various strengths of the medicine like 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and so on. Each medicine comes in various doses which is decided by the manufacturer, that is, pharmaceutical company. The dose is decided on the severity of the symptom or disease.