Acamprosate Viatris (Acamprosate Calcium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Acamprosate Viatris Used For?
Acamprosate Viatris contains acamprosate calcium and is specifically designed to help people with alcohol dependence maintain abstinence from drinking.
Primary Uses
Acamprosate Viatris is used to treat alcohol dependence. It helps people who are dependent on alcohol to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages. This medication is part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes counselling from healthcare professionals.
How It Works
Acamprosate Viatris works by acting on certain chemical changes that have taken place in your brain over the time that you have been drinking alcohol. When you drink too much alcohol, your body and nervous system adapt to its effects, and this medication helps restore the chemical balance.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Acamprosate Viatris is addictive.
How to Take Acamprosate Viatris
Take Acamprosate Viatris exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage depends on your body weight and should be taken with meals.
Dosage Instructions
For adults weighing 60 kg or more: Take 2 tablets three times daily with meals. For adults weighing less than 60 kg: Take 2 tablets in the morning, 1 tablet at midday, and 1 tablet at night, all with meals. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets as they have a special coating to prevent stomach upset. Treatment is usually continued for one year.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. If you’re not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- upset stomach
- itching
- skin rash
- changes in sex drive
Important Warnings
Before taking Acamprosate Viatris, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications.
Who Should Not Take Acamprosate Viatris
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acamprosate calcium or any ingredients in the tablets, have kidney disease, or have severe liver disease. Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, have any other health problems or medical conditions, or take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety has not been established in pregnant women, and the medication can pass into breast milk and may affect your baby. Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking Acamprosate Viatris.
Not recommended: Acamprosate Viatris is not recommended for use in children or elderly patients.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Acamprosate Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you buy without a prescription
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure about what medicines affect Acamprosate Viatris
Alcohol & Driving
Important considerations about alcohol consumption and daily activities while taking Acamprosate Viatris.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking Acamprosate Viatris will not make you feel sick. However, you are strongly advised not to drink alcohol at all during your treatment. Even if you only drink a little alcohol, you run the risk of making your treatment fail.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No specific warnings about driving or operating machinery are mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think that you or anyone else have taken too much Acamprosate Viatris, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acamprosate Viatris should be started after you have stopped drinking and as soon as withdrawal symptoms have ended. The medication is usually taken for one year as part of your treatment program.
Yes, you should take Acamprosate Viatris with meals. The usual doses are taken three times daily with meals for adults weighing 60kg or more.
No, there is no evidence that Acamprosate Viatris is addictive.
Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
You are advised not to drink alcohol at all during your treatment with Acamprosate Viatris. Even if you only drink a little alcohol, you run the risk of making your treatment fail.
It is important to continue taking Acamprosate Viatris even if you have a short relapse. The medication works best when combined with counselling and continued as prescribed.
Acamprosate Viatris is not recommended for use in elderly patients.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.