This treatment guide explains what Fultium-D3 is, why you have been prescribed it, and how to take it to treat your condition.
This guide is designed to support you with your treatment and is not a substitute for the Patient Information Leaflet that came with your medication.
Fultium-D3 is a medicine containing colecalciferol, another name for vitamin D3.1-3
Fultium-D3 is used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency (that’s when the body does not have enough vitamin D). It is also prescribed in addition to specific osteoporosis treatment for people with vitamin D deficiency.1-3
Below you’ll find some helpful information which may answer some of the questions you may have about your condition and treatment with Fultium-D3.
If you have any additional questions about your treatment, it is important to talk them through with a member of your healthcare team. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your Healthcare Professional tells you to do so. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes in your Fultium-D3 pack for full details on how to take your treatment.
As well as promoting healthy functioning of our muscles and immune system, sufficient vitamin D plays a critical role in bone health at all stages of life by helping our body to absorb calcium and phosphate, which are vital for building and maintaining strong bones.4 Getting enough vitamin D can help prevent bone conditions like rickets in children, as well as osteomalacia (soft bones) and osteoporosis (weak bones) as we age.4,5
Rickets is a disease that disrupts bone growth in infants and young children. The main cause of rickets is a vitamin D deficiency. When children do not get enough vitamin D, their bones can become soft, weak, and unable to support their weight. This can result in broken bones, even after a minor accident, and bone and muscle pain. People with rickets often have bone deformities, such as bowed legs, widening of wrists and ankles, and curved spines.6,7
Osteomalacia is a bone-softening disease that occurs in adults. It results from a defect in the bone-building process and is usually caused by prolonged low levels of vitamin D.8
Bones are continuously being broken down and rebuilt. In osteomalacia, the bones are weakened because of a deficiency in the mineralisation phase of this process – the part where new bone tissue is hardened.8
Osteomalacia can cause widespread aching bone pain, often in the hips, along with muscle weakness which makes movement such as rising from a chair or climbing stairs difficult.7,8
Bones affected by osteomalacia are more prone to fractures, especially with minor injuries or stresses.5 In rare cases, bone deformities may also occur.7,8
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile, making them break more easily.9
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the production of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of your old bone.9
Imagine inside your bones is like a honeycomb. With osteoporosis, the holes in the honeycomb gradually become larger, making your bones become weaker over time.9
Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until it causes them to break a bone. That’s why it is called a “silent disease”.9
Although fractures can occur in different parts of the body, the hip, wrist and spine are the most commonly affected sites.9
If you don’t have enough vitamin D when you’re pregnant, it can affect the health of your baby. This might mean your baby could be smaller than expected; they could be born too early; or they could have issues with bone and teeth growth.10,11 Rickets is one example. Low vitamin D during pregnancy is a major risk factor for rickets in babies.11 There’s also a higher chance babies of mums who have low vitamin D levels will get an infection.10
If you have any questions about taking vitamin D during your pregnancy, please contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Instead, the body makes its own when skin is exposed to sun.5
How much vitamin D the skin makes depends on things like:4,5,12
During the winter, something like 1 in 3 people in the UK have vitamin D levels below those recommended; even in the summer, it is still as high as 1 in 10.17
Fultium-D3 is available as capsules in a range of doses to support different patients’ needs.1-3 So it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely as they will know what dose is right for you or your child.
 |
Daily 800 IU (blue-coloured) capsules: These can be used from 12 years upwards. Your doctor will usually prescribe a dose of 1-5 capsules daily, depending on how low your vitamin D levels are and how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will then tell you to take 1-2 capsules daily to keep your vitamin D levels stable. The capsules should be swallowed whole (not chewed) with water.1 |
 |
3,200 IU (green-coloured) capsules: For children over 12, adults and the elderly with severe vitamin D deficiency, your doctor will usually prescribe a dose of 1 capsule daily for up to 12 weeks. If you are vitamin D deficient when you are pregnant or breast feeding, your doctor will usually prescribe 1 capsule daily for up to 12 weeks. The capsules should be swallowed whole (not chewed) with water.2 |
 |
20,000 IU (yellow-coloured) capsules: These can be used from 12 years upwards (but unlike the other Fultium-D3 options, 20,000 IU capsules are not recommended if you are pregnant or breast feeding). The capsule should be swallowed whole with water, preferably with the main meal of the day.3 |
Follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully regarding how frequently you take treatment (it will be printed the label on your Fultium-D3 pack) as it will be different for different patients. If you are unsure about how to take Fultium-D3, always check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
 |
These are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans since the capsule shell contains glycerol and gelatin from animal sources (beef). |
|
The capsule shells contain gelatin. The gelatin is kosher certified. |
|
The capsule shells contain gelatin. The gelatin is halal certified. |
|
Fultium-D3 does not contain lactose, fructose, sucrose, eggs, soya, gluten or nuts.1-3 Please check the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list of ingredients. |
|
If you forget to take your capsules, take them as soon as you can. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. After that, take the next capsule according to the instructions given to you by your doctor.14-16 |
|
800 IU (blue-coloured) capsules: If you or a child has taken too many capsules than directed by your doctor, seek immediate medical advice.The most common symptoms of overdose are: nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, the production of large amounts of urine over 24 hours, constipation and dehydration, high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria) shown by lab test.14 |
|
3,200 IU (green-coloured) capsules: If you accidentally take one capsule too many, nothing is likely to happen. If you accidentally take several capsules too many tell your doctor or get other medical advice immediately. If possible, take the capsules, the box and this leaflet with you to show the doctor. If you take too many capsules you may feel or be sick, become constipated or have stomach pains, weak muscles, tiredness, lack of appetite, kidney problems and in severe cases irregular heartbeats.15 |
|
20,000 IU (yellow-coloured) capsules: If you accidentally take too many capsules, tell your doctor or get other medical advice, immediately. If possible, take the capsules, the box and this leaflet with you to show the doctor. If you take too many capsules you may feel or be sick, become constipated or have stomach pains, weak muscles, tiredness, lack of appetite, kidney problems and in severe cases irregular heartbeats.16 |
Side effects are always a possibility with any kind of medication. So while not everyone does suffer side effects, there’s a chance you may do. You will reduce the chance of these effects if you take your medicine exactly as instructed.
Side effects with Fultium-D3, which are uncommon, include too much calcium in your blood and urine. This can make you feel or be sick, lose your appetite, have constipation or stomach-ache, feel very thirsty, have muscle weakness, drowsiness or confusion. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1 in 1000 people, may include skin rash, itching, and hives (3,200IU and 20,000IU capsules only).1-3
Be sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication for further details on possible side effects.
Reporting of side effects. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
If you would like more information about osteoporosis, or want to talk to someone about your condition, the Royal Osteoporosis Society has a helpline staffed by specialist nurses. You can give them a call on 0808 800 0035 or send an email enquiry to nurses@theros.org.uk
As well as promoting healthy functioning of our muscles and immune system, sufficient vitamin D plays a critical role in bone health at all stages of life by helping our body to absorb calcium and phosphate, which are vital for building and maintaining strong bones.4 Getting enough vitamin D can help prevent bone conditions like rickets in children, as well as osteomalacia (soft bones) and osteoporosis (weak bones) as we age.4,5
Rickets is a disease that disrupts bone growth in infants and young children. The main cause of rickets is a vitamin D deficiency. When children do not get enough vitamin D, their bones can become soft, weak, and unable to support their weight. This can result in broken bones, even after a minor accident, and bone and muscle pain. People with rickets often have bone deformities, such as bowed legs, widening of wrists and ankles, and curved spines.6,7
Osteomalacia is a bone-softening disease that occurs in adults. It results from a defect in the bone-building process and is usually caused by prolonged low levels of vitamin D.8
Bones are continuously being broken down and rebuilt. In osteomalacia, the bones are weakened because of a deficiency in the mineralisation phase of this process – the part where new bone tissue is hardened.8
Osteomalacia can cause widespread aching bone pain, often in the hips, along with muscle weakness which makes movement such as rising from a chair or climbing stairs difficult.7,8
Bones affected by osteomalacia are more prone to fractures, especially with minor injuries or stresses.5 In rare cases, bone deformities may also occur.7,8
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile, making them break more easily.9
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the production of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of your old bone.9
Imagine inside your bones is like a honeycomb. With osteoporosis, the holes in the honeycomb gradually become larger, making your bones become weaker over time.9
Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until it causes them to break a bone. That’s why it is called a “silent disease”.9
Although fractures can occur in different parts of the body, the hip, wrist and spine are the most commonly affected sites.9
If you don’t have enough vitamin D when you’re pregnant, it can affect the health of your baby. This might mean your baby could be smaller than expected; they could be born too early; or they could have issues with bone and teeth growth.10,11 Rickets is one example. Low vitamin D during pregnancy is a major risk factor for rickets in babies.11 There’s also a higher chance babies of mums who have low vitamin D levels will get an infection.10
If you have any questions about taking vitamin D during your pregnancy, please contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Instead, the body makes its own when skin is exposed to sun.5
How much vitamin D the skin makes depends on things like:4,5,12
During the winter, something like 1 in 3 people in the UK have vitamin D levels below those recommended; even in the summer, it is still as high as 1 in 10.17
Fultium-D3 is available as capsules in a range of doses to support different patients’ needs.1-3 So it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely as they will know what dose is right for you or your child.
|
Daily 800 IU (blue-coloured) capsules: These can be used from 12 years upwards. Your doctor will usually prescribe a dose of 1-5 capsules daily, depending on how low your vitamin D levels are and how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will then tell you to take 1-2 capsules daily to keep your vitamin D levels stable. The capsules should be swallowed whole (not chewed) with water.1 |
|
3,200 IU (green-coloured) capsules: For children over 12, adults and the elderly with severe vitamin D deficiency, your doctor will usually prescribe a dose of 1 capsule daily for up to 12 weeks. If you are vitamin D deficient when you are pregnant or breast feeding, your doctor will usually prescribe 1 capsule daily for up to 12 weeks. The capsules should be swallowed whole (not chewed) with water.2 |
|
20,000 IU (yellow-coloured) capsules: These can be used from 12 years upwards (but unlike the other Fultium-D3 options, 20,000 IU capsules are not recommended if you are pregnant or breast feeding). The capsule should be swallowed whole with water, preferably with the main meal of the day.3 |
Follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully regarding how frequently you take treatment (it will be printed the label on your Fultium-D3 pack) as it will be different for different patients. If you are unsure about how to take Fultium-D3, always check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
|
These are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans since the capsule shell contains glycerol and gelatin from animal sources (beef). |
|
The capsule shells contain gelatin. The gelatin is kosher certified. |
|
The capsule shells contain gelatin. The gelatin is halal certified. |
|
Fultium-D3 does not contain lactose, fructose, sucrose, eggs, soya, gluten or nuts.1-3 Please check the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list of ingredients. |
|
If you forget to take your capsules, take them as soon as you can. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. After that, take the next capsule according to the instructions given to you by your doctor.14-16 |
|
800 IU (blue-coloured) capsules: If you or a child has taken too many capsules than directed by your doctor, seek immediate medical advice.The most common symptoms of overdose are: nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, the production of large amounts of urine over 24 hours, constipation and dehydration, high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria) shown by lab test.14 |
|
3,200 IU (green-coloured) capsules: If you accidentally take one capsule too many, nothing is likely to happen. If you accidentally take several capsules too many tell your doctor or get other medical advice immediately. If possible, take the capsules, the box and this leaflet with you to show the doctor. If you take too many capsules you may feel or be sick, become constipated or have stomach pains, weak muscles, tiredness, lack of appetite, kidney problems and in severe cases irregular heartbeats.15 |
|
20,000 IU (yellow-coloured) capsules: If you accidentally take too many capsules, tell your doctor or get other medical advice, immediately. If possible, take the capsules, the box and this leaflet with you to show the doctor. If you take too many capsules you may feel or be sick, become constipated or have stomach pains, weak muscles, tiredness, lack of appetite, kidney problems and in severe cases irregular heartbeats.16 |
Side effects are always a possibility with any kind of medication. So while not everyone does suffer side effects, there’s a chance you may do. You will reduce the chance of these effects if you take your medicine exactly as instructed.
Side effects with Fultium-D3, which are uncommon, include too much calcium in your blood and urine. This can make you feel or be sick, lose your appetite, have constipation or stomach-ache, feel very thirsty, have muscle weakness, drowsiness or confusion. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1 in 1000 people, may include skin rash, itching, and hives (3,200IU and 20,000IU capsules only).1-3
Be sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication for further details on possible side effects.
Reporting of side effects. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
If you would like more information about osteoporosis, or want to talk to someone about your condition, the Royal Osteoporosis Society has a helpline staffed by specialist nurses. You can give them a call on 0808 800 0035 or send an email enquiry to nurses@theros.org.uk
1. Fultium-D3 800 IU Capsules Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed: July 2026. 2. Fultium-D3 3,200 IU Capsules Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed: July 2026. 3. Fultium-D3 20,000 IU Capsules Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed: July 2026. 4. British Dietetic Association. Vitamin D. Accessed: July 2026. 5. NHS. Vitamin D. Accessed: July 2026. 6. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Rickets in Children caused by Vitamin D Deficiency. Accessed: July 2026. 7. NHS. Rickets and osteomalacia. Accessed: July 2026. 8. Arthritis UK. What is osteomalacia? Accessed: July 2026. 9. National Institute on Aging. Osteoporosis. Accessed: July 2026. 10. Karras SN, et al. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2016;8(4):124-35. 11. Tommy’s: The pregnancy and baby charity. Vitamin D in pregnancy. Accessed: July 2026. 12. Royal Osteoporosis Society. Vitamin D for Bones. Accessed: July 2026. 13. Calame W et al. Nutrients. 2020:12(6):1868. 14. Fultium-D3 800 IU Capsules Patient Information Leaflet. Accessed: July 2026. 15. Fultium-D3 3,200 IU Capsules Patient Information Leaflet. Accessed: July 2026. 16. Fultium-D3 20,000 IU Capsules Patient Information Leaflet. Accessed: July 2026.
The information on our patient website is solely intended for UK patients prescribed this medicine by a UK Healthcare Professional.
All other visitors, please view the Summary of Product Characteristics Fultium-D3 800IU capsules | Fultium-D3 3,200IU capsules | Fultium-D3 20,000IU capsules
Reporting of side effects. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
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