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

This is Caltrate, and it contains calcium carbonate. 

Caltrate supplements the amount of calcium we put into our bodies. It may have other ingredients, too, like vitamin D. We get calcium from food that we eat, especially dairy food. Calcium helps keep our bones and teeth strong. Calcium also helps our muscles, nerves, blood, and other parts of the body work properly. However, calcium supplements, or their added ingredients, could be harmful to certain patients. So, always check with your doctor first before taking them.

You should take Caltrate as instructed on the package label. Do not take more than the recommended dose, unless your doctor says it is okay. 

When taking calcium carbonate as a supplement, there are two actions you can take to help your body absorb it well: 
- First, take it with food. Ideally, try to take it with food that is NOT high in fiber. 
- Also, if you take more than 600 milligrams of calcium carbonate each day, you should take it in separate doses throughout the day. 

Most patients tolerate calcium carbonate very well. Side effects may include bloating and either constipation or diarrhea. These are normal if they are mild, and should go away. You should know that high doses of calcium from supplements may increase the risk of kidney stones. 

Calcium carbonate has interactions with some prescription medicines. These include certain antibiotics, thyroid medicines, heart medicines, blood pressure medicines, and more. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist all of the medicines you take.

For best results with Caltrate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for helpful advice about this medicine and your condition.