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Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD

Gemcal Capsule is used to treat low blood calcium levels. It increases calcium levels and provides essential nutrients that help maintain bone health. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as constipation or stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Manufacturer/Marketer :

Alkem Laboratories Ltd

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

Expires on or after :

About Gemcal Capsule

Gemcal Capsule is used to treat low blood calcium levels. It effectively treats various conditions caused by low calcium levels in the body, such as osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), osteomalacia/rickets (weak bones), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and latent tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels).

Gemcal Capsule can also be given to pregnant, nursing, and postmenopausal women to ensure that they are getting enough calcium. Additionally, Gemcal Capsule is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone disease in people with chronic kidney disease, surgery, or other conditions.

Gemcal Capsule consists of three medicines: Calcium carbonate (mineral), Calcitriol (Vitamin D3), and  Zinc (mineral). Calcium provides essential nutrients for bone formation and maintenance. Calcitriol helps in improving the absorption of calcium from the intestine. Zinc stimulates osteoblastic bone formation and mineralisation.

In some cases, Gemcal Capsule can cause side effects like constipation or stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mood changes, weakness, tiredness, fast or pounding heartbeat, bone/muscle pain, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to any of the components in Gemcal Capsule , please inform your doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule . Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines or have pre-existing medical conditions to prevent potential interactions.

Uses of Gemcal Capsule

Gemcal Capsule is indicated for the prevention and treatment of various conditions caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency. The detailed uses of Gemcal Capsule are as follows:

  • Treatment of Osteoporosis: Helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures in people with brittle or porous bones.
  • Management of Osteomalacia (Rickets): Treats softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency, especially in children (rickets) and adults (osteomalacia).
  • Correction of Vitamin D Deficiency: Corrects low levels of vitamin D in the body, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
  • Treats Hypoparathyroidism: Manages calcium levels in patients with underactive parathyroid glands by improving calcium absorption.
  • Manages Latent Tetany: Prevents and treats muscle cramps and spasms caused by low calcium levels in the blood.

Directions for Use

  • Gemcal Capsule can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
  • Swallow Gemcal Capsule as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not chew, crush or break it.

Medicinal Benefits

  • Gemcal Capsule is a nutritional supplement composed of Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol (Vitamin D3), and Zinc, used to correct calcium and vitamin D deficiencies and support bone health.
  • It replenishes low calcium levels in the body, supporting the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and bones.
  • Gemcal Capsule is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets, by strengthening bones and preventing fractures or deformities.
  • It enhances calcium absorption from the intestine and maintains adequate blood calcium levels, especially in patients with hypoparathyroidism or chronic kidney disease.
  • Gemcal Capsule helps in the treatment of tetany, a condition characterised by painful muscle cramps and spasms due to low calcium levels.
  • It plays a vital role in bone regeneration, collagen formation, and protein synthesis, all of which are crucial for maintaining bone density and structure.

How Gemcal Capsule Works

Gemcal Capsule consists of three medicines: Calcium carbonate (mineral), Calcitriol (Vitamin D3), and Zinc (mineral). Calcium is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients for bone formation and maintenance. Calcitriol is a synthetic version of Vitamin D3. It raises Vitamin D levels and thereby increases calcium levels in the blood. This helps in improving the absorption rate of calcium from the intestine. Zinc is a mineral that plays an essential role in bone health. Zinc helps to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and mineralisation.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.• Keep Gemcal Capsule out of the sight and reach of children.• Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

What if I have taken an overdose of Gemcal Capsule

Take Gemcal Capsule only as suggested by the physician. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it might cause an overdose. If you suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Warnings

  • If you are known to be allergic to Gemcal Capsule or any other medicines, please tell your doctor.
  • Gemcal Capsule is not recommended if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), metastatic calcification (extra deposits of calcium in the body), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), and malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food).
  • Inform your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule if you have any heart/kidney/liver/blood vessel diseases, kidney stones, sarcoidosis (growth of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body), Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease), Whipple's disease (bacterial infection affecting joints and digestive system), achlorhydria (little or no stomach acid), low levels of bile, or phosphate imbalance.
  • If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Gemcal Capsule .
  • Gemcal Capsule should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor.

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Drug Interactions

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How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Dolutegravir with Gemcal Capsule can reduce the effectiveness of dolutegravir.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule can be taken with dolutegravir if prescribed by the doctor. However, dolutegravir and Gemcal Capsule should not be taken orally at the same time. Maintain a gap of 2-6 hours between both medicines. Do not discontinue using any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule with Ketoconazole may decrease the effects of Ketoconazole.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule can be taken with Ketoconazole if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 2 or more hours between both medicines. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule and Digoxin may increase the calcium levels may increase the effects of Digoxin

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule can be taken with Digoxin if prescribed by the doctor. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule may interfere with the absorption of Gefitinib and reduce its effectiveness.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule can be taken with Gefitinib if prescribed by the doctor. However, Gefitinib and Gemcal Capsule should not be taken orally at the same time. Maintain a gap of 2-6 hours between both medicines. Do not discontinue using any medications without consulting a doctor.
Calcium carbonatePatiromer calcium
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule may lower the effectiveness of Patiromer calcium in binding potassium.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule can be taken with Patiromer calcium if prescribed by the doctor. Consult the prescriber if you experience symptoms such as metabolic alkalosis like nausea, vomiting, tremor, muscle twitching, lightheadedness, numbness or tingling, prolonged muscle spasms, slowed breathing, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Do not discontinue the medication without a doctor's advice.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule may interfere with the absorption of Raltegravir and reduce its effectiveness.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Gemcal Capsule with Raltegravir should be avoided. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns, the doctor may recommend alternatives that do not interact with raltegravir. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Coadministration of dolutegravir with Gemcal Capsule can reduce the efficacy of dolutegravir.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Dolutegravir and Gemcal Capsule together can possibly result in an interaction, they can be taken together if prescribed by your doctor. It is advised to take dolutegravir either two hours before or six hours after taking a dose of Gemcal Capsule. Do not discontinue using any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Co-administration of Cholecalciferol and Calcitriol are forms of vitamin D, and taking too much vitamin D may lead to toxic effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Gemcal Capsule and calcitriol, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms - irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, tiredness, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, feeling sick, dry mouth, strange taste in your mouth, muscle or bone pain, thirst, losing weight, eye infection, sensitivity to light, runny nose or itching - contact a doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
Cholecalciferol and doxercalciferol are forms of vitamin D, and taking too much vitamin D may lead to toxic effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Gemcal Capsule and doxercalciferol, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms - irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, tiredness, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, feeling sick, dry mouth, strange taste in your mouth, muscle or bone pain, thirst, losing weight, eye infection, sensitivity to light, runny nose or itching - make sure to call a doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ColecalciferolErgocalciferol
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule:
The combined use of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol are forms of vitamin D, and taking too much vitamin D may lead to toxic effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Gemcal Capsule and ergocalciferol, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms - irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, tiredness, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, feeling sick, dry mouth, strange taste in your mouth, muscle or bone pain, thirst, losing weight, eye infection, sensitivity to light, runny nose or itching - contact a doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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CALCITRIOL-0.25MCG+CALCIUM CARBONATE-500MG+ZINC-7.5MGFiber rich foods
Moderate

Drug-Food Interactions

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CALCITRIOL-0.25MCG+CALCIUM CARBONATE-500MG+ZINC-7.5MGFiber rich foods
Moderate
Common Foods to Avoid:
Spinach

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Gemcal Capsule with food containing oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb) or phytic acid results in decreased absorption of Gemcal Capsule. It is advised to take Gemcal Capsule two hours before or after consumption of food containing oxalic acid or phytic acid.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Include dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese, or milk-based custard in your diet.
  • Eat daily a serving of broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
  • Snack on calcium-rich nuts like Brazil nuts or almonds.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds over your food, vegetables, and salads. Sesame seeds are high in calcium.
  • Avoid or reduce the intake of caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol, as they may inhibit calcium absorption.
  • Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for extra calcium in your food.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

MULTIMINERALS
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Alcohol

Caution

Drinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption; hence, it is advised to limit alcohol intake while using Gemcal Capsule .

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Pregnancy

Caution

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before recommending Gemcal Capsule .

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Gemcal Capsule can pass into the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule if you are breastfeeding.

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Driving

Safe

No interaction was found/established.

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Liver

Caution

Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver disease before taking Gemcal Capsule . Hepatic impairment/liver disease can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain Vitamin D forms.

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Kidney

Caution

Seek a doctor's advice before starting Gemcal Capsule if you have kidney diseases like kidney stones or are undergoing dialysis. Calcitriol in Gemcal Capsule increases inorganic phosphate levels in serum; hence, caution should be taken in patients undergoing dialysis to maintain adequate phosphorus levels and avoid ectopic calcification (calcium deposition).

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Children

Caution

Gemcal Capsule should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor.

Have a query?

FAQs

Gemcal Capsule is used to treat Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Rickets, Calcium deficiency and Tetany.

Gemcal Capsule is a combination of three medicines, namely: Calcium carbonate, Calcitriol and Zinc. Calcitriol helps your body effectively absorb Calcium Carbonate and additionally supports the muscles needed to avoid falls. Calcium and Zinc help build and maintain bones. Collectively, Gemcal Capsule treats osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), osteomalacia/rickets (weak bones), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels).

Gemcal Capsule is used to increase low levels of calcium in the body. Hence, it is not advised to use Gemcal Capsule during hypercalcemia, since it causes the overdose of calcium, leading to kidney stones and other effects.

Gemcal Capsule can cause kidney stones due to excess calcium deposition when used for a prolonged period. Please consult your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule as a daily supplement if you have any kidney problems or a history of kidney stones.

Common side effects of Gemcal Capsule include constipation, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fast or pounding heartbeat, bone, or muscle pain.

Do not use Gemcal Capsule if you are allergic to Gemcal Capsule or any other ingredients in it. Gemcal Capsule is not recommended in hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), metastatic calcification (extra deposits of calcium in the body), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), and malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food).

Gemcal Capsule can be taken either before or after eating. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food may help alleviate discomfort. Always follow your doctor's personalised instructions.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Alkem Laboratories Limited, Devashish Building, Alkem House, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013.
Other Info - GEM0029

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