Sensipar

Generic name: Cinacalcet

What is Sensipar?

Sensipar is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. It is also used to treat hypercalcemia (excessive calcium in the blood) in patients with cancer of the parathyroid.

What is the most important information I should know about Sensipar?

Use Sensipar with caution if you are on any antiseizure medication, if you have low blood pressure, heart failure, or impaired liver function. Sensipar also lowers blood calcium levels and may precipitate bone disease.

Who should not take Sensipar?

You should not take Sensipar if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Sensipar?

Before taking the first dose of Sensipar, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially if you have a history of seizures or heart problems, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis

Adults: The recommended starting oral dose is 30 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels of calcium and phosphorus within 1 week and your parathyroid hormone levels 1 to 4 weeks after starting Sensipar or after dose adjustment.

Parathyroid Carcinoma

Adults: The recommended starting oral dose is 30 mg twice daily.

The dosage should be increased 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 as necessary to normalize blood calcium levels.

How should I take Sensipar?

Take Sensipar as directed by your doctor. You can take it with food or shortly after a meal. Sensipar should be taken whole and should not be divided.

Sensipar can be used alone or in combination with vitamin D sterols and/or phosphate binders.

During dose increases, your doctor should monitor blood calcium levels frequently and, if levels decrease below the normal range, take appropriate steps to increase calcium levels, which may include supplemental calcium, adjusting phosphate binders or vitamin D sterols, or temporarily withholding treatment with Sensipar.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Sensipar?

If Sensipar is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sensipar with the following: amitriptyline, desipramine, drugs metabolized by CYP450 or CYP2D6 (ask your doctor if anything you are taking falls into this category), ketoconazole, midazolam

What are the possible side effects of Sensipar?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, high blood pressure, weakness, appetite loss

Can I receive Sensipar if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Sensipar should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Sensipar is excreted in breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sensipar?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Sensipar?

Store at room temperature.