VivaCaD
A capsule for healthy bones
VivaCaD is a soft-gelatin capsule containing calcium and calcitriol (vitamin D3) along with other vitamins used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other conditions, requiring additional/supplementation of calcium and/or vitamin D3, mostly in people above 50 years of age.
Vitamin D quantity in body diminishes with age due to decreased dietary intake, decreased vitamin D absorption, decreased sun exposure, decreased skin synthesis of vitamin D and decreased formation of active vitamin D in the kidney.
Many people also become deficient in calcium due to inadequate intake, especially if not taking dairy products or other good sources of calcium like small fishes. Vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 are three nutrients found to be deficient in many elderly persons which play many important roles. Thus, supplementation of vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 in the elderly population who are deficient is advocated.
Indications
VivaCaD is widely used for the treatment of:- Deficiency of calcium or vitamin D, which may lead to osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteomalacia.
- Secondary osteoporosis
- Thyroid and parathyroid disorders, renal disease including chronic kidney disease/failure.
It is also used as a prophylactic regimen in the prevention of osteoporosis in people above 50 years, postmenopausal women, and during later stage of pregnancy.
Dose administration: One to two Capsules daily or as directed by the physician
Adverse effects:
The following are the common side effects of vivaCaD
- Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, constipation, gastrointestinal discomfort, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
- General systemic: Fatigue, dizziness, headache, increased thirst, anorexia.
- Cardiovascular: Coronary artery disease, arrhythmia (long-term intake of calcium 46 1 >600 mg/day and Vitamin D >10,000 IU/day).
- Renal: Renal stones.
- Changes in blood parameters: Hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia.
- Allergy: Rash, itching and other symptoms of allergy in those having allergy to one or more components.
- Not to be taken by people having hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis D.
- Blood levels of calcium and vitamin D should be monitored and proper precautions should be taken in case of use in disorders of thyroid and parathyroid glands and renal osteodystrophy.
- Caution should be taken while taking medications known to have interaction with calcium when used concomitantly.
- Not to be taken by people having hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis D.
- Blood levels of calcium and vitamin D should be monitored and proper precautions should be taken in case of use in disorders of thyroid and parathyroid glands and renal osteodystrophy.
- Caution should be taken while taking medications known to have interaction with calcium when used concomitantly.
VivaCaD may cause interaction with the following drugs:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-fungals
- Anti-hypertensive drugs
- Anti-psychotics
- Anti-diabetics
- Ant-epileptics
- Anti-malarials
- COX-2 inhibitors
- Iron preparations
- Chelating agents
- Chemotherapeutics drugs
- Bisphosphates
Supplementation of calcium and vitamin D is likely to aggravate hypercalcemia and vitamin D3 toxicity. Recent studies have shown that excess calcium may increase the risk of myocardial infarction in vulnerable population. Hence, vivaCaD should not be used by people known to be having or at the risk of these conditions unless advised by physicians.
Pregnancy and lactation: Consult your physician when taking vivaCaD during pregnancy and lactation.