Uses
Cinacalcet is used to treat increased amounts of a certain hormone (parathyroid) in people with long-term kidney disease who are on dialysis. It is also used to treat increased amounts of calcium in people with an overactive parathyroid gland or in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland. Cinacalcet works by decreasing the amount of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus in your body. Having the right amount of these substances in your body helps to prevent bone disease.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth with food or shortly after a meal, as directed by your doctor.
The manufacturer directs not to split, chew, or crush the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split, chewed, or crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time(s) each day.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, or unusual tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Cinacalcet can cause low calcium blood levels. Your doctor will check your calcium blood levels while you are taking this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low calcium levels:
- numb/tingling skin
- severe muscle spasms
- seizures
- fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- black/bloody stools
- stomach/abdominal pain
- vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking cinacalcet, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia)
- seizures
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, gastritis, heartburn)
Very low levels of calcium can affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias). This risk may be increased if you have certain conditions or are taking drugs that can affect the heart rhythm. Before taking cinacalcet, tell your doctor of all the drugs you take and if you have heart rhythm problems or other heart problems (such as heart failure, low blood pressure).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
If your doctor tells you to switch from using this medication to etelcalcetide, this medication should be stopped at least 7 days before starting etelcalcetide. Using both medications together may increase the risk of side effects (especially low calcium levels).
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe muscle spasms, seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
