Accrete D3 Film-Coated 600mg/400iu - 60 Tablets

What are Accrete D3 tablets?

Accrete D3 tablets are vitamin supplements designed for those at risk of vitamin D or calcium deficiency. They use a combination of calcium carbonate and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) to support healthy teeth and bone formation. Accrete D3 is particularly suitable for the elderly who are at risk of vitamin D and calcium deficiency and those who are going through osteoporosis treatment and need a supplement to support them by preventing deficiencies.

Why does my body need calcium and vitamin D?

Calcium and vitamin D work together to support healthy teeth, bones and muscles. Vitamin D controls the amount of calcium which is absorbed into your body, helping to be sure that you’re getting enough to support your teeth, bones, and muscles. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to a condition called rickets in children, which causes bone deformity, and osteomalacia in adults, causing bone pain.

How much calcium and vitamin D are in these tablets?

Each Accrete D3 tablet contains 400I.U. of cholecalciferol, which is the equivalent of 10 micrograms of Vitamin D. Each tablet also contains 1500mg of calcium carbonate, providing 600mg of calcium. By taking the daily dose recommended by the manufacturer this will add up to 20 micrograms of vitamin D and 1200mg of calcium a day.

Can I take these tablets if I’m pregnant?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Accrete D3. This supplement should only be used at the recommended dose by pregnant women who have calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. If you’re looking for a supplement which will help to support you throughout your pregnancy, we’d recommend taking a look at ones designed specifically for pregnant women, such as the Pregnacare range.

Can I take this product if I’m already taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Accrete D3 tablets. This especially applies if you are already taking:

• Any other medicines which contain vitamin D or calcium

• Thiazide diuretics

• Oral or injected corticosteroids

• Cardiac glycosides, which are used for heart failure

• Ion exchange resins, e.g. cholestyramine

• Laxatives, e.g. paraffin oil

• Tetracycline antibiotics or tetracycline preparations

• Bisphosphonate, which is used to treat osteoporosis

• Sodium fluoride

• Rifampicin, which is used for tuberculosis

• Phenytoin and barbiturates, which are used for epilepsy

• Quinolone antibiotics

• Estramustin, which is used in chemotherapy

• Thyroid hormones

• Medicines containing iron, zinc, or strontium

How to take Accrete D3 tablets

Take one Accrete D3 tablet twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You can break the tablet in half to make it easier to swallow, if necessary, but don’t chew the tablet.

Should I take these tablets with food or a drink?

You can take your Accrete D3 tablets with a sip of water, juice, or another cool drink if you’d like to. You should take this product within 1 and a half hours of eating a meal. There are some foods that can stop the calcium in these tablets from absorbing into your system properly. If you’ve eaten any of these foods you should wait for at least 2 hours before taking your Accrete D3 tablets:

• Oxalic acid, found in spinach, sorrel, and rhubarb

• Phytic acid, found in whole cereals

When should this product not be used?

Accrete D3 tablets are not suitable for children or adolescents. Do not take this product if you are allergic to calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol, peanuts, soya, or any of other listed ingredients. This product is a food supplement and should not be taken in place of a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle. Do not take this product if you have:

• Kidney stones

• Kidney failure or severe renal impairment

• Excessive amounts of vitamin D in your blood

• Chronically increased levels of calcium in your blood or urine

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these tablets if you have:

• Kidney disease or any impaired kidney function

• An inflammatory disease which causes lumps of cells (sarcoidosis)

• A tendency to develop kidney stones

• Immobilisation caused by osteoporosis

Do Accrete D3 tablets have any side effects?

Like all medicines, Accrete D3 tablets can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include:

• Significantly increased levels of calcium in your blood causing symptoms like feeling or being sick, lack of appetite, constipation, stomach ache, bone pain, extreme thirst, needing to pass urine more often, muscle weakness, drowsiness, confusion

• Increased levels of calcium in your urine

• Constipation

• Wind (flatulence)

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhoea

• Itching, rash and hives

• Indigestion

• Milk alkali syndrome, causing higher levels of calcium in your body

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.