Gestacal

GESTACAL is a comprehensive dietary supplement manufactured by Medley Pharmaceuticals Ltd., designed to support overall well-being, primarily focusing on bone health, calcium absorption, and cognitive function.

Name

• Brand Name: GESTACAL Tablet

Composition

GESTACAL Tablet contains a blend of essential nutrients:

• Calcium Carbonate (equivalent to elemental Calcium: 500 mg)
• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) (as stabilized Vitamin D3: 200 IU)
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (10%: 150 mg)

Uses

GESTACAL is used as a nutritional supplement to address various health needs:

• Bone Health: It ensures an adequate supply of calcium to bones, helping to prevent low blood calcium levels, strengthen bones, and manage conditions like osteoporosis, rickets, and osteopenia. It prevents bones from breaking easily, especially in the spine.
• Cardiovascular Health: DHA and Vitamin D3 support heart health by managing inflammation, promoting healthy blood circulation, maintaining a balanced lipid profile, and assisting in managing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Muscle Support: Calcium and Vitamin D3 work synergistically to support muscle contraction and relaxation, helping to manage muscle weakness and cramps.
• Immune Health: Vitamin D3 enhances immune system function, regulating immune responses and managing inflammation, which supports better resistance against infections.
• Fetal and Infant Development: It is prescribed for fetal development during pregnancy and plays an important role in the cognitive and visual development of the fetus and newborn infants due to DHA. It is beneficial for expectant and nursing mothers.
• Arthritis: DHA helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, and the supplement is used in chronic arthritis.

Dosage and Administration

GESTACAL tablets are for oral administration.

• Take the medication with a large glass of water, either during or after a meal.
• If it is a chewable tablet, it must be chewed before swallowing.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food.
• Follow the dosage instructions provided on the product label or as prescribed by your physician.
• Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Mild irritability
• Weakness
• Photophobia
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) should prompt immediate medical attention.

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies to the ingredients of GESTACAL or any other drugs.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have high levels of calcium in blood/urine, a hyperactive thyroid, bone cancer, kidney, or liver problems. Contraindications may include kidney disease, heart disease, arrhythmia, dehydration, and high blood pressure.
• Drug Interactions: Discuss all medications being taken with your doctor, as some drugs might not be safe to take with GESTACAL and can cause bad side effects. Avoid taking it with colestipol and cholestyramine as they can affect its efficacy. Caffeine products should also be avoided as they can decrease or increase the effect of the medicine.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: While some sources state no side effects in pregnant or lactating women, it is advised to consult with a physician during pregnancy and lactation before use. The product is often recommended for these groups to support fetal and infant development.
• Overdose: In case of a suspected overdose, contact a local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• General: Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting a physician. Read the label carefully before use.

Storage

• Store at room temperature in a tight container.
• Keep it away from sunlight, moisture, and strong-smelling substances.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• The ideal storage temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

GESTACAL by MEDLEY is a comprehensive dietary supplement containing Elemental Calcium, Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is designed to support overall well-being, particularly focusing on bone health, calcium absorption, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.

Here are some frequently asked questions about GESTACAL:

What is GESTACAL used for?

GESTACAL is primarily used to provide an adequate supply of calcium to bones, helping to prevent them from breaking easily, especially in the spine. It addresses deficiencies in calcium and Vitamin D3, which can lead to weakened bones, brittle teeth, and increased fracture risk, as well as conditions like osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia. It is particularly beneficial for expectant and nursing mothers, as it aids in fetal and infant development, including cognitive and visual functions. Additionally, GESTACAL supports cardiovascular health, immune health, and muscle strength.

How does GESTACAL work?

GESTACAL works through its key ingredients: Elemental Calcium, Vitamin D3, and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Calcium carbonate is essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones. Vitamin D3 aids in the absorption and effective utilization of calcium and phosphorus in the body. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, plays a vital role in brain development, cognitive function, vision, and nerve tissues. It also supports heart health by managing inflammation, promoting healthy blood circulation, and maintaining a balanced lipid profile.

What is the usual dosage for GESTACAL?

The usual recommended dosage is one tablet once or twice a day, or as directed by a physician. The tablet should be taken with a large glass of water during or after a meal. If it is a chewable tablet, it must be chewed before swallowing. It can be taken with or without food. It is important not to exceed the recommended daily dosage.

What are the possible side effects of GESTACAL?

Common side effects include constipation and upset stomach. Mild side effects may also include irritability, weakness, photophobia, and diarrhea. Serious allergic reactions are rare but can include rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, mental or mood changes, bone or muscle pain, headache, increased thirst or urination, or unusual tiredness, seek immediate medical attention.

Is GESTACAL safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

GESTACAL is considered beneficial for expectant and nursing mothers as it aids in the development of the fetus and infant, particularly supporting cognitive and visual development. While animal reproduction studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus (Pregnancy Category C), potential benefits may warrant its use in pregnant women despite potential risks. No harmful effects have been reported in lactating women. However, it is always recommended to consult with your physician during pregnancy and lactation before taking GESTACAL.

Can GESTACAL be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor, as some drugs may not be safe to take with GESTACAL. Specifically, avoid taking GESTACAL with colestipol and cholestyramine as they can affect its efficacy. Severe interactions have been noted with certain medications like Propranolol, Losartan, Warfarin, and Clopidogrel.

What precautions should be taken while using GESTACAL?

Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to caffeine or any component of GESTACAL. If you have pre-existing health conditions such as high levels of calcium in your blood or urine, an overactive thyroid, bone cancer, kidney or liver problems, kidney disease, kidney stones, or heart disease, consult your doctor before using this supplement. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, and do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your physician. Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeinated products, as they can inhibit calcium absorption or affect the medication's effectiveness.

What should I do if I miss a dose of GESTACAL?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses to make up for a missed one.

How should GESTACAL be stored?

GESTACAL should be stored at room temperature in a tight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture.