What is Etelcalcetide?
Etelcalcetide is used to treat overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) in adults with chronic kidney failure who are on dialysis.Etelcalcetide can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Etelcalcetide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Etelcalcetide may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with light exertion;
- Heartbeat irregularities;
- Low calcium levels can cause muscle contractions or spasms, as well as numbness and tingling (in your hands, fingers, or around your mouth).
- Signs of bleeding in the stomach include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting, or coughing up blood.
Some of the common side effects associated with etelcalcetide include:
- Numbness and tingling are both examples of tingling.
- Muscle spasms
- Low calcium
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Rayaldee, Calcifediol, and Parsabiv
Warnings
Tell your doctor before you get etelcalcetide if you've taken Cinacalcet in the last 7 days.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to etelcalcetide, it is not recommended that you take the medication.
If you've ever:
- Congestive heart failure;
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding
- A seizure;
- Long qt syndrome
- If you used sensipar (cinacalcet) in the last 7 days,
The effects of etelcalcetide on an unborn child are unknown. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Etelcalcetide?
Etelcalcetide can be infused into the vein. This injection will be given to you by a healthcare professional as part of dialysis.Etelcalcetide can be given three times a week after dialysis.You may need to adjust your dosage or schedule from time to time.It is possible that you will need to undergo frequent medical testing. Tests can be used to determine the effectiveness of a medicine, even if there are no symptoms.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for secondary hyperparathyroidism:
Initial dosage: 5 mg IV 3 times every week.
Adjust the dose in increments of up to 5mg or 2.5 mg, no more than once every four weeks. This will ensure that parathyroid hormones are maintained within the desired range and that serum calcium is within normal limits.
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 15 mg IV three times per week.
Comments:
If switching from cinacalcet to this medication, stop cinacalcet 7 days before starting the new drug.Before initiating treatment, ensure that corrected serum calcium levels are at or above normal limits. This includes a dosage increase or restarting after an interruption.
The dose should be given as an IV bolus after hemodialysis.
If a patient misses more than two weeks of treatment, reintroduce this medication at its recommended dose of 5 mg or 2.5 mg, if it was their last dose.
Use for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism among patients with chronic kidney disease who are on hemodialysis
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss any doses because you'll be receiving etelcalcetide in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Calcium levels can become too low if there is an overdose. Muscle cramps, confusion, and numbness or tingling are some of the symptoms.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
The etelcalcetide may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
