What is Cinacalcet?
Cinacalcet reduces the levels of paraathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorous within the body. Cinacalcet can be used to treat hyperparathyroidism in patients who have been on long-term dialysis for kidney disease. Cinacalcet can also be used to treat hypercalcemia in patients with parathyroid cancer and those with overactive glands. Cinacalcet can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cinacalcet
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat; seek medical care immediately.
Cinacalcet may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience tingling or numbness around your mouth.
- Muscle pain, tightness, or contraction;
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with mild exercise;
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting that looks like coffee or blood, or coughing up a lot of blood.
- Low levels of calcium can cause numbness around the mouth or tingling, a fast or sluggish heart rate, or muscle contractions or tightness.
Some of the common side effects associated with cinacalcet include:
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Diarrhea.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise call 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects and get advice from FDA representatives.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Decadron, Reclast, Denosumab, Zometa, and Sensipar
Warnings
If you have a low level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia), then you should not use cinacalcet.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Hypocalcemia is a condition in which there are low calcium levels in the blood.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that cinacalcet will be safe for you:
- 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;
- Those without dialysis but suffering from kidney disease.
It has not been shown to harm an unborn baby when taken by pregnant or planning-to-be pregnant mothers, according to studies done. If pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, please notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible. We do not know if cinacalcet can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who is nursing. While taking this medication, you should not breastfeed. Cinacalcet should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Cinacalcet medication?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change your dosage from time to time in order to get you the best results. Use cinacalcet only at the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. Cinacalcet is most effective when taken with food or within a few hours of eating. Crush or break the cinacalcet tablets. Swallow the entire pill. You will need to test your blood 1 week after starting cinacalcet or when your dose changes. Blood tests may be required on a regular schedule during your treatment. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Many drugs interact with cinacalcet. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
