Phoslo® is a phosphate binder indicated to reduce serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
The recommended initial dose of Phoslo® for the adult dialysis patient is 2 gelcaps with each meal. Increase the dose gradually to lower serum phosphorus levels to the target range, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require 3-4 gelcaps with each meal.
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS
Capsule: 667 mg calcium acetate per gelcap.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Patients with hypercalcemia.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypercalcemia
Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia when treated with calcium, including calcium acetate (Phoslo®). Avoid the use of calcium supplements, including calcium-based nonprescription antacids, concurrently with Phoslo®.
An overdose of Phoslo may lead to progressive hypercalcemia, which may require emergency measures. Therefore, early in the treatment phase during the dosage adjustment period, monitor serum calcium levels twice weekly. Should hypercalcemia develop, reduce the Phoslo® dosage or discontinue the treatment, depending on the severity of hypercalcemia.
More severe hypercalcemia (Ca>12 mg/dL) is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor and coma. Severe hypercalcemia can be treated by acute hemodialysis and discontinuing Phoslo® therapy.
Mild hypercalcemia (10.5 to 11.9 mg/dL) may be asymptomatic or manifest as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Mild hypercalcemia is usually controlled by reducing the Phoslo® dose or temporarily discontinuing therapy. Decreasing or discontinuing Vitamin D therapy is recommended as well.
Chronic hypercalcemia may lead to vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Radiographic evaluation of suspected anatomical regions may be helpful in early detection of soft tissue calcification. The long term effect of Phoslo® on the progression of vascular or soft tissue calcification has not been determined.
Hypercalcemia (>11 mg/dL) was reported in 16% of patients in a 3-month study of a solid dose formulation of calcium acetate; all cases resolved upon lowering the dose or discontinuing treatment.
Maintain the serum calcium-phosphorus (Ca x P) product below 55 mg2/dL2.
Concomitant Use with Medications
Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Hypercalcemia is discussed elsewhere [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Clinical Trial Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In clinical studies, calcium acetate has been generally well tolerated.
Phoslo® was studied in a 3-month, open-label, non-randomized study of 98 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients and in a two week double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 69 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients. Adverse reactions (>2% on treatment) from these trials are presented in Table 1.
| Preferred Term | Total adverse reactions reported for calcium acetate n = 167 n (%) | 3-mo, open-label study of calcium acetate n = 98 n (%) | Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of calcium acetate n = 69 | |
| Calcium acetate n (%) | Placebo n (%) | |||
| Nausea | 6 (3.6) | 6 (6.1) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| Vomiting | 4 (2.4) | 4 (4.1) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| Hypercalcemia | 21 (12.6) | 16 (16.3) | 5 (7.2) | 0 (0.0) |
Mild hypercalcemia may be asymptomatic or manifest itself as constipation, anorexia, neusea, and vomiting. More severe hypercalcemia is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma. Decreasing dialysate calcium concentration could reduce the incidence and severity of Phoslo®-induced hypercalcemia. Isolated cases of pruritus have been reported, which may represent allergic reactions.
Postmarketing Experience
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval of calcium acetate: dizziness, edema, and weakness.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The drug interaction of Phoslo® is characterized by the potential of calcium to bind to drugs with anionic functions (e.g., carboxyl and hydroxyl groups). Phoslo® may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones via this mechanism.
There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between calcium acetate or Phoslo® and most concomitant drugs. When administering an oral medication with Phoslo® where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy, administer the drug one hour before or three hours after Phoslo® or calcium acetate. Monitor blood levels of the concomitant drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range. Patients taking anti-arrhythmic medications for the control of arrhythmias and anti-seizure medications for the control of seizure disorders were excluded from the clinical trials with all forms of calcium acetate.
Ciprofloxacin
In a study of 15 healthy subjects, a co-administered single dose of 4 calcium acetate tablets approximately 2.7 g, decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
PREGNANCY
Pregnancy Category C
Phoslo® contains calcium acetate. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Phoslo®, and there are no adequate and well controlled studies of Phoslo® use in pregnant women. Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia with calcium acetate treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Maintenance of normal serum calcium levels is important for maternal and fetal well being. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy may increase the risk for maternal and neonatal complications such as stillbirth, preterm delivery, and neonatal hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. Phoslo® treatment, as recommended, is not expected to harm a fetus if maternal calcium levels are properly monitored during and following treatment.
LABOR & DELIVERY
The effects of Phoslo® on labor and delivery are unknown.
NURSING MOTHERS
Phoslo® contains calcium acetate and is excreted in human milk. Human milk feeding by a mother receiving Phoslo® is not expected to harm an infant, provided maternal serum calcium levels are appropriately monitored.
PEDIATRIC USE
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
GERIATRIC USE
Clinical studies of calcium acetate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
OVERDOSAGE
Administration of Phoslo® in excess of the appropriate daily dosage may result in hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
DESCRIPTION
Phoslo® acts as a phosphate binder. Its chemical name is calcium acetate. Its molecular formula is C4H6CaO4, and its molecular weight is 158.17. Its structural formula is:
Each opaque gelcap with a blue cap and white body is spin printed in blue and white ink with “Phoslo®” printed on the cap and “667 mg” printed on the body. Each gelcap contains 667 mg calcium acetate, USP (anhydrous; Ca(CH3COO)2; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) calcium, and 10 mg of the inert binder, polyethylene glycol 8000 NF. The gelatin cap and body have the following inactive ingredients: FD&C blue #1, D&C red #28, titanium dioxide, USP and gelatin, USP.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Patients with ESRD retain phosphorus and can develop hyperphosphatemia. High serum phosphorus can precipitate serum calcium resulting in ectopic calcification. Hyperphosphatemia also plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Calcium acetate, (Phoslo®) when taken with meals, combines with dietary phosphate to form an insoluble calcium phosphate complex, which is excreted in the feces, resulting in decreased serum phosphorus concentration.
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Orally administered calcium acetate from pharmaceutical dosage forms is systemically absorbed up to approximately 40% under fasting conditions and up to approximately 30% under non-fasting conditions. This range represents data from both healthy subjects and renal dialysis patients under various conditions.
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY
No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility studies have been conducted with calcium acetate.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Effectiveness of calcium acetate in decreasing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated in two studies of the calcium acetate solid dosage form.
Ninety-one patients with end-stage renal disease who were undergoing hemodialysis and were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL) following a 1-week phosphate binder washout period contributed efficacy data to an open-label, non-randomized study.
The patients received calcium acetate 667 mg tablets at each meal for a period of 12 weeks. The initial starting dose was 2 tablets per meal for 3 meals a day, and the dose was adjusted as necessary to control serum phosphorus levels. The average final dose after 12 weeks of treatment was 3.4 tablets per meal. Although there was a decrease in serum phosphorus, in the absence of a control group the true magnitude of effect is uncertain.
The data presented in Table 2 demonstrate the efficacy of calcium acetate in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients. The effects on serum calcium levels are also presented.
| Parameter | Pre-Study | Week 4b | Week 8 | Week 12 | p-valuec |
| a Values expressed as mean ± SE. | |||||
| b Ninety-one patients completed at least 6 weeks of the study. | |||||
| c ANOVA of difference in values at pre-study and study completion. | |||||
| Phosphorus (mg/dL)a | 7.4 ± 0.17 | 5.9 ± 0.16 | 5.6 ± 0.17 | 5.2 ± 0.17 | ≤0.01 |
| Calcium (mg/dL)a | 8.9 ± 0.09 | 9.5 ± 0.10 | 9.7 ± 0.10 | 9.7 ± 0.10 | ≤0.01 |
There was a 30% decrease in serum phosphorus levels during the 12 week study period (p<0.01). Two-thirds of the decline occurred in the first month of the study. Serum calcium increased 9% during the study mostly in the first month of the study.
Treatment with the phosphate binder was discontinued for patients from the open-label study, and those patients whose serum phosphorus exceeded 5.5 mg/dL were eligible for entry into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Patients were randomized to receive calcium acetate or placebo, and each continued to receive the same number of tablets as had been individually established during the previous study. Following 2 weeks of treatment, patients switched to the alternative therapy for an additional 2 weeks.
The phosphate binding effect of calcium acetate is shown in the Table 3.
| Parameter | Pre-Study | Post-Treatment | p-valueb | |
| Calcium Acetate | Placebo | |||
| a Values expressed as mean ± SE. | ||||
| b ANOVA of calcium acetate vs. placebo after 2 weeks of treatment. | ||||
| Phosphorus (mg/dL)a | 7.3 ± 0.18 | 5.9 ± 0.24 | 7.8 ± 0.22 | <0.01 |
| Calcium (mg/dL)a | 8.9 ± 0.11 | 9.5 ± 0.13 | 8.8 ± 0.12 | <0.01 |
Overall, 2 weeks of treatment with calcium acetate statistically significantally (p<0.01) decreased serum phosphorus by a mean of 19% and increased serum calcium by a statistically significant (p<0.01) but clinically unimportant mean of 7%.
HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
Gelcap A white and blue gelcap for oral administration containing 667 mg calcium acetate (anhydrous Ca(CH3COO)2; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) calcium.
Gelcap NDC 49230-640-21 Bottles of 200
STORAGE: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [See USP “Controlled Room Temperature”].
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Inform patients to take Phoslo® with meals, adhere to their prescribed diets, and avoid the use of calcium supplements including nonprescription antacids. Inform the patients about the symptoms of hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Advise patients who are taking an oral medication where reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have clinically significant effect on its safety and efficacy to take the drug one hour before or three hours after Phoslo®.
Manufactured for
Fresenius Medical Care North America
Waltham, MA 02451
by
Pharmaceutics International, Inc.
10819 Gilroy Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
100623.02 04 / 2011
PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
| Phoslo calcium acetate capsule | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Marketing Information | |||
| Marketing Category | Application Number or Monograph Citation | Marketing Start Date | Marketing End Date |
| NDA | NDA021160 | 04/02/2001 | |
| Labeler - Fresenius Medical Care North America (075684324) |
| Establishment | |||
| Name | Address | ID/FEI | Operations |
| Pharmaceutics International, Inc. | 878265586 | MANUFACTURE | |
| Establishment | |||
| Name | Address | ID/FEI | Operations |
| Kemira Chemicals Inc | 403364669 | API MANUFACTURE | |
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