Calcium and ergocalciferol tablets

About calcium and ergocalciferol

Calcium and vitamin D are both important for healthy, strong bones. Ergocalciferol is a type of vitamin D. Vitamin D is mostly made in your skin by exposure to sunlight but you also get some from your diet. Foods that contain vitamin D are oily fish (such as sardine, herring, salmon and tuna) and eggs. Your body needs adequate supplies of vitamin D in order for it to absorb the calcium that you eat or drink in your diet.

A mild lack of calcium and vitamin D may not cause symptoms but it can result in an increased risk of 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis). You will be recommended to take a supplement such as calcium and ergocalciferol tablets routinely. The tablets are available on prescription, or you can buy them without a prescription at a pharmacy.

Before taking calcium and ergocalciferol tablets

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking calcium and ergocalciferol it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If you have kidney problems, or if you have ever had kidney stones.

• If you have sarcoidosis. This is a condition causing inflammation, particularly in your lungs and lymph system.

• If you know you have too much calcium in your blood or urine. This can happen with some cancers.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take calcium and ergocalciferol tablets

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about calcium and ergocalciferol, and will provide you with a list of any side-effects which you may experience from taking the tablets.

• Take calcium with ergocalciferol tablets exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. It is usual to take one tablet each day. You can take the tablet at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day, as this will help you to take your doses regularly.

• Crush the tablet before swallowing. It will help to take it with a drink of water. Alternatively, you can chew the tablet if you prefer.

• If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with calcium and ergocalciferol.

Can calcium and ergocalciferol tablets cause problems?

The tablets are unlikely to cause any side-effects when taken as directed. Rarely, they may cause stomach upset. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets then please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store calcium and ergocalciferol tablets

• 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