TheraCal® Bone Health Supplement (90-day supply)

Q. How is TheraCal different from other supplements for bone health?

TheraCal contains a higher dose of vitamin D₃ than other calcium + vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. Also, roughly 85% of calcium supplements contain a form of calcium only absorbed in the presence of stomach acid. So, when taken without food, or by individuals on "acid reducing" medications brands such as OsCal®, Tums® and coral calcium are NOT well absorbed. TheraCal contains calcium citrate, which has been shown to have superior bioavailability. It is well-absorbed with or without food, and "acid reducing" medications will NOT interfere with its absorption.

TheraCal also contains other vitamins and minerals (magnesium, vitamin K2, and boron) which are also important for bone health and are not contained in most calcium and vitamin D formulations.*

Q. What is the difference between the TheraCal programs?

Program A: TheraCal Rapid Repletion Program is designed to supply calcium and to quickly restore (or replete) your vitamin D level, and then to maintain that level.* This program starts with an initial 90-day supply (360 tablets) bottle of TheraCal D4000 for repletion and is followed automatically by 90-day supply (360 tablets) refill shipments of TheraCal D2000 for maintenance.

Program B: TheraCal D2000 is designed for adults whose vitamin D blood level is currently normal or has been restored to normal.

Program C: TheraCal D4000 is designed for adults who have persistently low vitamin D blood levels despite prior supplementation, or whose doctor has recommended that they maintain a higher vitamin D level.

Both TheraCal D2000 and D4000 contain a 1000 mg calcium citrate dosage.

Q. I'm taking a bisphosphonate. Why do I need TheraCal?

Bisphosphonates (Fosamax®, Actonel®, Boniva®, Reclast®, Zometa®) are prescription medications that slow the rate of bone loss and decrease bone fracture risk by slowing the natural process that dissolves bone tissue. Bisphosphonates are designed to be taken along with calcium and vitamin D, not in place of these nutrients.

Q. Are there any side effects from TheraCal?

No. There are no expected side effects from TheraCal.

Q. Can TheraCal be taken with other nutritional supplements?

Yes. You can continue to take most other nutritional supplements along with TheraCal. Theralogix Companion Multivitamin is a low-dose multivitamin and mineral supplement specifically formulated for use along with TheraCal.

Q. Does TheraCal interact with any prescription medications?

Yes, as with any dietary supplement, it is recommended you discuss with your pharmacist and or healthcare team to clarify whether TheraCal can be taken along with your medications.

Aluminum Hydroxide (AlternaGEL, Amphojel, Nephrox) - This medication can be taken to reduce phosphate levels in people with certain kidney conditions. Calcium citrate can increase how much aluminum your body absorbs when taken with aluminum hydroxide in people with kidney disease. Discuss with your doctor before taking with TheraCal.

Medications that are changed by the liver Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP34) substrates - CYP34 are important enzymes in your body, mainly found in the liver to break down medications in the body. Vitamin D may increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking vitamin D along with some medications may decrease the effectiveness of some medications. Before taking supplements with high dose vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking medications that are changed by the liver, for example lovastatin, clarithromycin, estrogens, and others.

TheraCal may affect the absorption of certain prescription medications.

Antibiotics: Certain nutrients such as calcium can bind to antibiotics in the stomach and reduce their absorption and effectiveness. Depending on the antibiotic prescribed, you may need to separate taking any calcium containing supplements from antibiotics by at least 2 to possibly 6 hours or discontinue your dietary supplement while taking the antibiotic.

• Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) – Separate by 2 hours
• Cephalexin (Keflex) – Take TheraCal 3 hours or more after taking this antibiotic
• Tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, demeclocycline)- Separate by 4 hours
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), Moxifloxacin (Avelox) – Separate by 6 hours

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - This medication helps control cholesterol levels in the body. Taking it with TheraCal that contains vitamin D may decrease the amount of atorvastatin absorbed by the body. Separate by a minimum of 2 hours

Captopril – This medication helps control blood pressure. Magnesium in TheraCal can affect absorption of this antihypertensive medication. Separate by 2 hours.

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – This medication helps the heart beat more strongly. Taking magnesium which is in TheraCal at the same time as this medication may decrease the absorption of this medication therefore decreasing the effectiveness. Separate by 2 hours.

Dilantin (phenytoin) – This medication is an anti-epileptic drug used to control seizures. Calcium and magnesium in TheraCal can affect absorption of this antiepileptic medication. Separate by 2 hours.

Diltiazem & Cardizem - These medications help with blood pressure and treat angina. Taking supplements that contain a high dose of vitamin D with diltiazem may decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Oral Bisphosphonates (i.e., alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Boniva), tiludronate (Skelid)) – These medications alter bone formation and breakdown in the body, slowing down bone loss and helping to prevent bone fractures. Taking magnesium and calcium along these medications can decrease how much bisphosphate the body absorbs. Separate by 2 hours.

Sotalol (Betapace) - This medication helps the heart beat normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders. Calcium and magnesium in TheraCal can affect absorption of this antiarrhythmic medication. Separate by at least 2 hours.

Thiazide diuretics (aka: water pills) – These medications are used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure as well as the accumulation of fluid and swelling (edema) in the body. These medications also increase the amount of calcium in the body. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Taking TheraCal along with these medications may cause too much calcium in the body.

Thyroid hormone (levothyroxine, Synthroid) - This medication is used to treat an underactive thyroid gland. Calcium in TheraCal can reduce absorption of these thyroid hormone medications. Separate by at least 4 hours.

Warfarin (coumadin): Studies show that low-dose vitamin K (100 mcg) is unlikely to affect INR and may help stabilized INR level. TheraCal contains a low dose of vitamin K2 and should be safe to take.


If you still have questions about TheraCal, please visit the general FAQ page.

Feel free to reach out to the Nutrition Department by phone at (888) 899-3899 ext. 2 or by email here.