Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is calcium acetate, and it's a 'phosphate binder'. It lowers the amount of phosphate in the blood of people who have kidney disease. This is important, because too much phosphate can harm your bones, heart, blood vessels and lungs.

Phosphate enters your body from foods and drinks. Calcium acetate binds the phosphate, and keeps it in the digestive tract. Then, it leaves your body when you have a bowel movement.

Calcium acetate must be taken with meals. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. 

Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. These are normal if they are mild, and should go away. Vomiting may also happen. If it does, be sure to call your doctor for advice. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Calcium acetate could cause levels of calcium in the blood to get too high. Your doctor will order blood tests to watch for this. To help prevent high calcium, you should not take any calcium supplements. Also, you should watch for symptoms of too much calcium. These include a loss of appetite, constipation, or confusion. Call your doctor if these happen to you.

Some drug interactions can occur. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking antacids, antibiotics, thyroid medicine, or nutritional supplements.

For best results with calcium acetate, remember to take it with meals. Also, be sure to follow the 'low-phosphate diet' that your doctor recommends.