Side Effects of Calcium Sandoz

If you've been diagnosed with osteoporosis or low blood calcium levels, your doctor may place you on a supplement known as Calcium Sandoz. Developed in 1929 by Sandoz, a division of the Novartis pharmaceutical company, Calcium Sandoz contains the salts calcium glubionate and calcium lactobionate. The supplement is available in syrup or tablet form. While it isn't associated with serious side effects, some individuals may experience symptoms while taking Calcium Sandoz. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, hives or trouble breathing, stop using Calcium Sandoz and seek medical help immediately.

Digestive Problems

Calcium Sandoz use may affect the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, nausea, pain in the stomach and abdomen and flatulence due to a buildup of gas in the intestines. According to Medicines.org.uk, fewer than 1 in every 1,000 Calcium Sandoz users experience disruptive digestive side effects. Tell your doctor about any digestive changes while on Calcium Sandoz, particularly if you have symptoms that progressively increase in severity.

Hypercalcemia

Viactiv Calcium Chews Side Effects

Learn More

Taking Calcium Sandoz may increase your risk of hypercalcemia, a condition in which the concentration of calcium in your blood rises abnormally high. Common symptoms of hypercalcemia include increased thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination, depression, bone pain, memory loss, muscle weakness, persistent and unusual fatigue or drowsiness, and abdominal pain. In extreme cases, it can cause kidney failure, pancreatitis or high blood pressure. If you experience hypercalcemia symptoms while taking Calcium Sandoz, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Calcium Sandoz contains a large amount of added sweetener. For example, a 5-milliliter dose of Calcium Sandoz syrup contains 1.5 grams of the simple sugar sucrose. A typical dose can be as much as 75 milliliters a day, meaning you could consume over 22 grams of sucrose daily. Taking the supplement regularly may cause your blood sugar level to sharply rise and drop, making it more difficult for your body to regulate glucose properly. This can exacerbate the symptoms of people who are prediabetic or who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.

Interactions With Other Medications

Side Effects of Milk of Magnesia

Learn More

The function, effectiveness and absorption of other medications and supplements may be impaired by Calcium Sandoz use. These include cardiac glycosides like digoxin; verapamil and other calcium channel blockers; supplemental nutrients such as fluoride, vitamin D, iron and zinc; tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline; levothyroxine; eltrombopag; and thiazide diuretics including chlortaliodone and bendroflumethiazide. Take Calcium Sandoz approximately four hours before or after taking any of these medications or supplements.