Natecal Vitamin D3 600mg/400UI - 60 Tablets

What are Natecal D3 600mg/400UI Tablets?

Natecal D3 600mg/400UI Tables are chewable vitamin D3 tablets that are used to provide a source of vitamin D3 and calcium into your diet. They are useful for those who may lack sufficient levels of either or both vitamin D and calcium and may be used to treat and prevent vitamin D and/or calcium deficiencies. The tablets are easy to administer as they are chewable, so are suitable for those who are unable to swallow traditional tablets. Each tablet contains the equivalent of 600mg of calcium and 400IU of vitamin D3, so if you are looking for an easy and convenient way to increase levels of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, speak to a Chemist4U pharmacist, to find out if Natecal D3 tablets will be beneficial for you. 

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ as it is naturally produced by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. We can also receive vitamin D3 through some of the food we eat, but we receive the majority of it through sun exposure. It is an incredibly useful vitamin as it transforms into a hormone within the body which circulates in the bloodstream to help absorb calcium and phosphorus which keeps our teeth and bones healthy and strong. Vitamin D3 can also help to strengthen our immune system, which is our body’s defence against infection and illness.

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a mineral that can be found in foods that we eat, such as dairy products and green, leafy vegetables. Our bodies require calcium in order to ensure our heart, muscles and nerves function properly. It also enables our blood to clot when required. If we do not receive enough calcium, it can cause conditions such as osteoporosis to develop, as our bones become weaker.  

How can Natecal D3 be used?

Natecal D3 tablets contain 2 active ingredients:

• Calcium carbonate

• Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)

This product may be used to correct calcium and vitamin D deficiencies in the elderly or those who do not receive enough calcium or vitamin D3 due to dietary requirements or having to spend a lot of time indoors due to illness or mobility issues. It may also be prescribed by a doctor to treat and prevent vitamin D and/or calcium deficiencies. It may also be prescribed in combination with osteoporosis treatments, where calcium and vitamin D levels are too low, or where there may be a risk of them becoming too low. The tablets are chewable, therefore are suitable for those who are unable or prefer not to swallow traditional tablets. 

How to take Natecal Vitamin D3 Tablets?

Always take this product exactly as described by a doctor. Seek advice from your doctor if you are unsure. The usual dose or adults and the elderly is one tablet twice a day, e.g. one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening. It is preferable to take this product after meals. The tablets must be either chewed or sucked. Do NOT swallow the tablets whole. 

Warnings

If you take more Natecal D3 than you should, contact your doctor or go to the nearest A&E department. If you forget to take Natecal D3, take it as soon as possible and then take your next dose at the usual time. HOWEVER, if it is near to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual. NEVER take 2 doses at the same time. This product is likely to interact with some foods, e.g. those containing oxalic acid (spinach, rhubarb, sorrel, cocoa, tea), phosphate (ham, sausages, cheese spread) or phytic acid (pulses, whole cereals, chocolate). It is recommended that you take Natecal D3, 2 hours before or after meals containing this kind of food. 

When NOT to use this product

Do NOT take this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients (see ingredients tab for full list) or if you:

• Have high level of calcium in your blood or urine

• Are suffering from kidney failure

• Have kidney stones

• Have high levels of vitamin D in your blood

Speak to your doctor or a Chemist4U pharmacist BEFORE taking this product if you:

• Have had kidney stones or other kidney problems

• Stay in bed for a long period (months) and if you have osteoporosis as you may have high levels of calcium in your blood

• Are taking any other medicines containing calcium or vitamin D

• Have sarcoidosis

• Are pregnant or breast feeding

Can Natecal be taken with other medicines?

Do NOT take this product if you are taking:

• Any other medicine containing vitamin D

• Digoxin or other cardiac glycosides

• Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, it is recommended that you wait at least 3 hours after taking these medicines before taking Natecal D3 chewable tablets

• Thiazide diuretics

• You take other drugs used to treat bone disorders such as biphosphonates or sodium fluoride, it is recommended that a period of at least 3 hours has to pass before taking Natecal

• Phenytoin and barbiturates

• Rifampicin

• Orlistat

• Estramustin

Can this product cause any side effects?

Like all medicines this product can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. If you experience any allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Side effects are uncommon with this product, but if you experience side effects it is recommended to seek advice from your GP. See patient information leaflet for full list of side effects. 

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support