Introduction About AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is a combination of Calcitriol, Calcium carbonate, and Zinc sulphate which belongs to the group of medicines called Nutritional supplements. It is used in adults for the management of low blood calcium levels in conditions including chronic renal failure, osteodystrophy (bone pain, joint pain, bone deformation, and fractures due to kidney disease or disturbances in calcium and phosphorus levels), and osteoporosis (bones become weak and brittle as we age).

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is also used to manage hypoparathyroidism (changes to parathyroid glands that may decrease the blood calcium too low), rickets or osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones in children and adults, respectively, due to a lack of adequate vitamin D), after small bowel resection, and psoriasis (a disease in which skin becomes dry with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp).

Avoid taking AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (Ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (Ex. brain), or phytic acid (Ex. whole cereals). AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is not recommended for patients having diseases and/or conditions resulting in hypercalcaemia and/or hypercalciuria (ex. myeloma, bone metastases, primary hyperparathyroidism) and hypervitaminosis D.

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function and kidney problems such as nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and renal failure.

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women, children, or adolescents unless considered necessary. AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL should be avoided by breastfeeding women. AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL should be used with caution with elderly patients.

The common side effects of AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL are muscle pain, weakness, headache, excessive sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, and dry mouth. If any of these become worse, contact your doctor.

Uses Of AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL

To manage the following conditions in adults:

• Chronic renal failure
• Renal osteodystrophy
• Osteoporosis
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Parathyroidectomy
• Vitamin D-dependent rickets
• Osteocalcaemia
• Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia after small bowel resection
• Psoriasis

How AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL Works

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is a combination of calcitriol that acts as an active form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and the functioning of calcium in the body. Calcium carbonate works as a nutritional supplement to directly increase the calcium stores within the body, and zinc sulphate counteracts the diminished calcitriol response to arrest bone loss. All these actions together will increase the levels of calcium, which is useful in managing bone disorders and disturbances in the parathyroid glands.

How to use AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL

Take AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. The correct dose and duration for you will be decided by your doctor, depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects Of AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL

How To Manage Side Effects

Bloating

Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If you still see no improvement, contact your doctor.

Constipation

Consume more fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals, in your diet and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. In the event of no improvement, consult your doctor.

Diarrhea

Drink more fluids, such as water, fruit juice, or coconut water, to keep yourself hydrated. In the event of no improvement, consult your doctor.

Headache

Try to relax and rest yourself. Apply pain balm to the head to ease the pain. Sip on some hot water or ginger tea. If there is no improvement, contact your doctor for advice.

Nausea And Vomiting

Take this medicine with meals or just after meals. Stick to simple meals and avoid oil-rich or spicy foods. If there is no improvement, consult your doctor.

Stomach Pain

Take a break to relax. Try to eat and drink slowly, or have smaller, more frequent meals. Place a heating pad on your stomach. If there is no improvement, consult your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is generally not recommended for use by pregnant women unless considered necessary. Consult your doctor for advice.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor for advice.

Kidney

Use with Caution

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL should be used cautiously in patients with kidney problems such as nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and renal failure. Consult your doctor for advice.

Liver

Use with Caution

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function. Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL if you are allergic to calcitriol, calcium carbonate, or zinc sulphate.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age). Consult your doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL should be used with caution with elderly patients. Consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions: 

Before taking AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• medicines used to manage edema and blood pressure [Ex. chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and metolazone]
• medicines used to suppress the immune system [Ex. cortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone]
• digoxin (used in the management of heart problems)
• cholestyramine (a medicine used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood
• paraffin oil (used to manage constipation)
• levothyroxine (used to manage an underactive thyroid gland)
• medicines used in the management of bacterial infections [Ex. tetracycline, sparfloxacin, ofloxacin, penicillamine, and norfloxacin]
• medicines used to manage epilepsy [Ex. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone]
• ketoconazole (used to manage fungal infections)

B. Drug-Food interactions:

Avoid taking AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (Ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (Ex. bran), or phytic acid (Ex. whole cereals).

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL out of reach of children
• Store AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL at room temperature

FAQs About AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL

Q: What is the use of AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL?

A: AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL is used in the management of hypocalcaemia, rickets or osteomalacia, hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism, osteodystrophy, and osteoporosis to increase blood calcium. It also maintains the balance of calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body.

Q: Does AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL have vitamin D?

A: Yes, AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL contains calcitriol, which acts as an active form of fat-soluble vitamin D. It helps increase intestinal absorption of calcium and acts as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Q: What are the side effects of AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL?

A: AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL may cause constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling thirsty, bone pain, stomach pain, frequent urination, and muscle weakness due to its effect on the blood calcium level. If any of these symptoms bother you, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: Is AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL good for health?

A: AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL contains vitamin D and calcium, which help strengthen bones and improve the overall quality of bones. Calcium is also required for the optimal functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. Hence, taking this medicine is good for your overall health.

Q: How do I take AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL?

A: Always take AFFOCAL CT SOFTGEL as instructed by your doctor and continue to follow any advice about diet recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly because the symptoms may return.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Drugs affecting calcium balance. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page – 361, 362, 368.

2. Lung BE, Mowery ML, Komatsu DEE. Calcitriol. National Library of Medicine. [Revised in November 2021] [Accessed on 9th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526025/

3. Ciplamed. Calzem capsules. [Revised in November 2013] [Accessed on 9th February 2024] https://www.ciplamed.com/product-index/calzem-capsules

4. DM pharma. Caldific CZ. [Accessed on 9th February 2024] https://www.dmpharma.co.in/Calcium%20carbonate,%20Zinc%20&%20Calcitriol%20Soft%20Gelatin%20Capsule.html

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Calcium
• Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy
• Extended Arthritis Care
• Comprehensive Arthritis Care
• Basic Bone Care
• Advance Bone Care
• Comprehensive Bone Care
• Esr Automated
• Basic Arthritis Care Plan
• Bone Strength Package
• Arthritis Profile-Basic
• Arthritis Profile-Advanced
• Kidney Function Test (KFT)
• Serum Electrolytes/ Electrolytes Profile
• Pth-Intact Molecule Parathyroid Hormone

Author Details

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 15 Feb 2024 | 04:50 PM(IST)