Sensipar

Generic name: Cinacalcet
Drug class: Calcimimetics

Usage of Sensipar

Sensipar decreases levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous in the body.

Sensipar is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive functioning of the parathyroid glands) in people who are on long-term dialysis for kidney disease.

Sensipar is also used to treat hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland, and in people with overactive parathyroid glands that cannot be treated surgically.

Sensipar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Sensipar : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth;

muscle pain, tightness, or contraction;

a seizure (convulsions);

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

low levels of calcium in your blood - numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Common Sensipar side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting;

headache, fatigue;

diarrhea.

low blood pressure;

decreased appetite; or;

tingling in the arms, hands, legs or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Sensipar

You should not use Sensipar if you are allergic to cinaCalcet, or if you have:

low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).

To make sure Sensipar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

high or low blood pressure;

heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorder;

personal or family history of long QT syndrome;

a stomach ulcer or severe vomiting;

liver disease;

seizures; or

if you have kidney disease and you are not on dialysis.

It is not known whether Sensipar will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cinacalcet passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

Sensipar is not FDA-approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Sensipar

Usual Adult Dose for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism:

Initial dose: 30 mg orally once a day (cinacalcet should be titrated no more frequently than every 2 to 4 weeks through sequential doses of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 mg orally once daily). Maintenance dose: 30 to 180 mg orally once a day Maximum dose: 180 mg once a day Approved indication: Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis

Usual Adult Dose for Hypercalcemia of Malignancy:

Initial dose: 30 mg orally twice a day (Titrate dose every 2 to 4 weeks through sequential doses of 30 mg twice daily, 60 mg twice daily, 90 mg twice daily, and 90 mg 3 or 4 times daily). Maintenance dose: 60 mg to 360 mg orally per day Maximum dose: 90 mg four times a day Approved indication: Parathyroid carcinoma and primary hyperparathyroidism who are unable to undergo parathyroidectomy

Usual Adult Dose for Primary Hyperparathyroidism:

Warnings

You should not take Sensipar if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).

Before you take Sensipar, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, or a history of seizures.

Sensipar works best if you take it with food or shortly after eating a meal. Do not crush or break a tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes, seizure, feeling short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or feeling like you might pass out.

To be sure Sensipar is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

What other drugs will affect Sensipar

Many drugs can interact with cinacalcet. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Sensipar. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

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