What is Natpara?
Natpara is a synthetic form of a hormone that occurs naturally in our bodies.Natpara is used in conjunction with vitamin D and calcium to treat the condition of hypocalcemia (low concentrations of calcium found in the blood) in those who suffer from low levels of parathyroid hormone.
Natpara is usually prescribed following the intake of vitamin D, and calcium alone has been attempted without results.
Natpara is available only through the specific program. It is necessary to be registered in the programme and be aware of the potential dangers and advantages of the medication.
Warnings
In studies on animals, parathyroid hormone was implicated in the development of bone cancer in animals. It isn't certain if the effects will be observed in humans.
While taking Natpara, you may have high levels of calcium in your blood. Consult your physician if you suffer from muscle weakness, low energy levels, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
When you stop taking Natpara, you could experience low levels of calcium. Inform your doctor if you feel numb or tingling in your mouth, fingers, or toes. muscles moving on your face, pain in your feet and hands, mood swings, issues with memory or thinking
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't apply Natpara if you are sensitive to the hormone parathyroid.
In studies on animals, parathyroid hormone has been linked to bone cancer in animals. However, it's not certain if these effects will be observed in humans. Talk to your doctor about the risks.
To ensure that Natpara is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have previously had:
- The calcium levels are high in your blood.
- Alkaline phosphatase has a high level in your blood.
- Bone cancer;
- Paget's disease as well as other bone diseases
- Radiation treatment.
Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant. It is unclear if parathyroid hormone could cause harm to a newborn baby.
Being pregnant with hypocalcemia can increase the chance of premature birth, miscarriage, and hypocalcemia in the infant, as well as eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that could cause medical issues in both the baby and mother). The benefits of treating hypocalcemia using Natpara could outweigh the risks for the baby.
Do not nurse while taking this medicine. In the event that you feed your baby, tell your doctor the first time you notice any signs of nursing in the baby, like weakness, fussiness, stomach pain, inadequate eating, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, the need for more diapers to be wet than normal, muscle spasms, and shaking.
Natpara has not been approved to be used by anyone less than 18 years of age or by those with bones that are still developing.
Related drugs
- Ergocalciferol,
- calcium carbonate,
- Calcitriol,
- Calcitrate,
- Drosdol,
- Rolatrol
How to Take Natpara?
You should take Natpara exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label and also read the medication guide or instructions sheets.Natpara is injected beneath the skin. The healthcare professional may instruct you on the proper use of the medication on your own.
Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to clarify any instructions.Only use the cartridges and pen that come with the medicine. Do not use a needle for injecting Natpara.
Don't shake the cartridge, or it could ruin the medication. Only inject when you are prepared to administer it. Don't use it when the medication has changed color. Consult your pharmacist about the new medication.You'll need to undergo regular medical tests when using this medication and for a brief period following the last dose.
Do not alter your dosage or stop taking Natpara without the advice of your physician. There is a risk of having extremely low levels of calcium in the event that you stop taking this medication immediately.Keep it in the refrigerator; avoid freezing. Be sure to protect yourself from light and heat.
Each Natpara cartridge is stocked with enough medicine to give 14 separate injections. Discard the cartridge after 14 uses, even if there's still medicine inside.Don't throw away the injection pen. It is reusable for two years or more when you replace your cartridge every 14 days.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:
Before initiating treatment:
Verify that the 25-hydroxyvitamin D stores are adequate, and if not, remedy deficiencies per the standards of treatment.
Check that serum calcium is at or above 7.5 mg/dL.
Initial dose: 50 mcg subcutaneously, once per day.
For patients taking the active vitamin D form Reduce the dose of vitamin D active to 50% when the serum calcium levels are above 7.5 mg/dL.
Maintain calcium supplement doses for those who take calcium supplements.
Check serum calcium levels within 3–7 days.
Adjust active vitamin D dosage or calcium supplement dosage, or both, based upon the value of serum calcium as well as the clinical evaluation (see the section on dosage adjustment).
DOSAGE UPPER in increments of 25 mcg each 4 weeks in the event that serum calcium levels are not maintained at 8 mg/dL without an active vitamin D form or calcium supplementation.
Dosage for maintenance: 25 to 100 mg subcutaneously every day.
Comments:
The dose must be determined individually according to the total levels of serum calcium (albumin-corrected) and the 24-hour urinary calcium excretion. The maintenance doses are the minimum dosage needed to keep serum calcium levels within the lower portion of the normal range, without the requirement to take active vitamin D, and with adequate calcium supplements to provide the patients with their daily requirements.
With each dose adjustment, be sure to monitor the clinical response and serum calcium levels. Adjust active vitamin D and calcium intake according to need (see the section on dosage adjustments).
Due to the risk of osteosarcoma The use of this product should be restricted to patients who are not well controlled on vitamin D supplements in active form on their own.
Use: A supplement to vitamin D and calcium to manage hypocalcemia in those suffering from hypoparathyroidism.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you can; however, do not miss any missed doses if you are close to the time for the next dose. Don't use two doses at once.
Discuss with your doctor whether you require additional calcium the next time you do not take a dose.
What happens If I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the advice of your doctor regarding any restrictions you may have on food or drinks, especially if you drink milk or consume dairy products (cheese yogurt, cheese, and sour cream) or other foods rich in calcium.
Side effects of Natpara
Take immediate medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction, Natpara: hives, itching, rapid heartbeats, feeling lightheaded, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, and throat
See your doctor right away for:
- Uncharacteristic or new, persistent pain;
- Lumps or swellings that are tender under your skin;
- A seizure;
- High levels of calcium cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, an increase in thirst or urination, bone pain, muscle weakness, confusion, low energy, or tiredness.
When you stop taking the medication, you could suffer from low calcium levels. Inform your doctor when you feel numbness, sensations of tingling around your mouth, between your fingers and toes, or a muscle that is twitching around your face; pain in your feet and hands; mood swings; or issues with memory or thinking.
The most common Natpara-related side effects include:
- Sensation of burning, tingling, or prickly sensations on your skin;
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Joint pain.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be experienced. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor all other medications, including:
- Alendronate (Fosamax);
- Digoxin;
- Minerals or vitamins, which include vitamin D or calcium.
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can be incompatible with parathyroid hormones, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are listed here.
