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General Medication Fact Sheet for Sensipar
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Sensipar |
| Generic Name | Cinacalcet |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Increased risk of hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Monitor calcium levels closely. |
| Purpose | Treats secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, hypercalcemia in patients with parathyroid carcinoma, and hypercalcemia in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who cannot undergo parathyroidectomy. |
| Mechanism of Action | Calcimimetic agent that increases the sensitivity of calcium-sensing receptors on the parathyroid gland, thereby decreasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, weakness |
| Serious Side Effects | Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), adynamic bone disease, worsening heart failure, seizures, gastrointestinal bleeding. |
| Drug Interactions | Certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone), and other medications affecting calcium levels. |
| Important Notes | Take with food. Monitor calcium and PTH levels regularly. Report any symptoms of low calcium (e.g., muscle cramps, tingling) to your doctor immediately. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv), Calcium supplements, Vitamin D analogs, Parathyroidectomy. |
Sensipar Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) | Calcimimetic agent similar to cinacalcet. | Administered intravenously; used for secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD patients on hemodialysis. |
| Calcium supplements | Increase serum calcium levels. | May be used to manage hypocalcemia. |
| Vitamin D analogs (e.g., Calcitriol) | Increase calcium absorption in the gut. | Help raise calcium levels and suppress PTH secretion. |
| Parathyroidectomy | Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands. | Used for primary hyperparathyroidism or severe secondary hyperparathyroidism unresponsive to medical therapy. |
Sensipar Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) |
| Vomiting | Adynamic bone disease |
| Diarrhea | Worsening heart failure |
| Muscle aches | Seizures |
| Weakness | Gastrointestinal bleeding |
Sensipar Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in CKD | 30 mg once daily | Titrate every 2-4 weeks to a target PTH level (150-300 pg/mL). Maximum dose 180 mg daily. | Take with food. Monitor calcium and PTH levels regularly. |
| Hypercalcemia in Parathyroid Carcinoma | 30 mg twice daily | Titrate every 2-4 weeks to achieve a target serum calcium level. Maximum dose 90 mg three or four times daily. | Take with food. Monitor calcium levels regularly. |
| Hypercalcemia in Primary Hyperparathyroidism (when parathyroidectomy is not feasible) | 30 mg twice daily | Titrate every 2-4 weeks to achieve a target serum calcium level. Maximum dose 90 mg three or four times daily. | Take with food. Monitor calcium levels regularly. |
