Gemcal Ds Tablet (15 Tab)

GEMCAL DS TABLET

GEMCAL DS TABLET is a nutritional supplement manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd. primarily used to address calcium deficiency and related bone health conditions.

Composition

GEMCAL DS TABLET contains a combination of essential nutrients for bone health:

• Calcitriol: 0.25 mcg (a synthetic form of Vitamin D3, which aids in calcium absorption)
• Calcium Carbonate: 1250 mg (equivalent to 500 mg elemental calcium)
• Vitamin K2-7 (Menaquinone): 45 mcg (helps maintain bone density by promoting calcium transport into bones)

Uses

GEMCAL DS TABLET is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of various conditions, including:

• Calcium deficiency
• Osteoporosis: A condition causing thinning and weakening of bones
• Osteomalacia/Rickets: Weak and brittle bones due to Vitamin D deficiency
• Hypoparathyroidism: Low levels of parathyroid hormone leading to decreased calcium
• Tetany: Muscle disease characterized by low blood calcium levels It may also be used to ensure adequate calcium intake in pregnant, nursing, and postmenopausal women.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of GEMCAL DS TABLET should be followed as prescribed by your doctor. For adults, typically 1 capsule once or twice a day. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably with food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.

Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary. Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Weakness or tiredness

Serious side effects, often indicative of high blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia), require immediate medical attention. These can include increased thirst, frequent urination, bone pain, muscle weakness, confusion, and fatigue.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to calcitriol, calcium, Vitamin K2-7, or any other components of the medicine.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney stones, high blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia), or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. Caution is advised for patients with hepatic insufficiency, chronic renal failure, nephrotic diseases, heart disease, sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, or phosphate imbalance.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use with caution during pregnancy, only if advised by a doctor for doses higher than the recommended daily dose. It is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women as it may pass into breast milk.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use with other vitamin D derivatives. Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or treatments you are taking, especially magnesium-containing antacids, digitalis, warfarin, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, cephalosporins), and drugs for thyroid deficiency or bone problems (e.g., bisphosphonates).

Storage

Store GEMCAL DS TABLET in a clean and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

What is Gemcal DS Tablet used for?

Gemcal DS Tablet is a nutritional supplement primarily used to treat and prevent calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. It is beneficial for various bone health conditions such as osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), osteomalacia/rickets (soft bones), hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone levels), and latent tetany (muscle issues due to low calcium). It also helps in maintaining overall bone and joint health, and can support heart health and immunity.

How does Gemcal DS Tablet work?

Gemcal DS Tablet contains a combination of Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol (Vitamin D3), and Menaquinone (Vitamin K2-7).

• Calcium Carbonate provides elemental calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D3. It increases Vitamin D levels in the blood, which in turn enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines.
• Menaquinone (Vitamin K2-7) activates calcium-binding proteins, such as matrix GLA protein and osteocalcin, which help direct calcium to the bones and prevent its deposition in soft tissues like arteries. This contributes to better bone density and strength.

What is the usual dosage of Gemcal DS Tablet?

The dosage of Gemcal DS Tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. It is typically swallowed whole with a glass of water, and can be taken with or without food, though taking it at a consistent time is advisable. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration based on your age, body weight, and medical condition.

What are the possible side effects of Gemcal DS Tablet?

Gemcal DS Tablet is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Common side effects may include constipation, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, more serious side effects can occur due to excessive calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcaemia) or urine. Symptoms of high blood calcium levels include increased thirst, frequent urination, stomach pain, bone pain, muscle weakness, confusion, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you experience these or any other concerning symptoms, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Is Gemcal DS Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Gemcal DS Tablet should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if clearly necessary, under medical supervision, as high doses of calcitriol may harm the fetus. It is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as it may pass into breast milk. Always consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Gemcal DS Tablet be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Gemcal DS Tablet may interact with several medications, including:

• Magnesium-containing antacids: Concomitant use may lead to high magnesium levels (hypermagnesaemia).
• Digitalis: Hypercalcaemia can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias in patients taking digitalis.
• Barbiturates and anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine): Higher doses of calcitriol may be required.
• Cholestyramine: May impair the intestinal absorption of calcitriol.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil): Concurrent use of calcium-containing formulations may reduce their effectiveness.
• Warfarin (an anticoagulant): Vitamin K in Gemcal DS can offset the anticoagulant effect. Therefore, use of vitamin K is contraindicated in individuals on anticoagulant therapy.
• Corticosteroids: May counteract the effect of calcitriol.
• Iron supplements: Absorption rate might be affected.
• Other Vitamin D supplements: Avoid combining with other forms of Vitamin D without consulting your doctor.

What precautions should be taken?

• Allergies: Do not take Gemcal DS Tablet if you are allergic to calcitriol, calcium, or any of its components.
• Pre-existing conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones, high blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia), or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. Exercise caution if you have kidney disease (including nephrotic diseases, chronic renal failure, or are undergoing dialysis), liver disease (hepatic insufficiency), heart disease, sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, Whipple's disease, achlorhydria, low bile levels, or phosphate imbalance.
• Diabetes/Phenylketonuria: Chewable tablets may contain sugar or aspartame, so individuals with diabetes or phenylketonuria should use caution.
• Monitoring: Long-term users or those with kidney issues should have regular blood tests to monitor calcium and vitamin D levels. Drink plenty of water to help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
• Diet: Include calcium-rich foods in your diet, but avoid excessive intake of additional calcium supplements unless advised by your doctor.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Gemcal DS Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

How should Gemcal DS Tablet be stored?

Gemcal DS Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of the reach of children.