The following information is a summary about Sensipar. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is cinacalcet?
Cinacalcet is an agent that increases the sensitivity of the parathyroid gland to calcium in the
body. This causes a decrease in levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous in
the body.
Cinacalcet is used to reduce elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in people with
chronic renal disease who are on dialysis. Cinacalcet is also used to lower calcium levels in patients with
cancer of the parathyroid gland.
Cinacalcet may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cinacalcet?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, cramping, twitching, or
spasms; numbness or tingling; or seizures. These may be early signs of not enough calcium in the body.
Take cinacalcet with food or immediately following a meal.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
cinacalcet?
Do not take cinacalcet if you have low levels of calcium in your body. This may be
determined by blood tests.
Before taking cinacalcet talk to your doctor if you have
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liver disease; or
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a history of seizures.
You may not be able to take cinacalcet, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Cinacalcet is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
cinacalcet will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take cinacalcet without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cinacalcet passes into breast milk. It is recommended that
breast-feeding be discontinued during treatment with cinacalcet. Do not take cinacalcet without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take cinacalcet?
Take cinacalcet exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take cinacalcet with food or immediately following a meal.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
It is important to take cinacalcet regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment
with cinacalcet to monitor progress and side effects.
Store cinacalcet at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a cinacalcet overdose are not known but may include seizures, muscle pain,
numbness and tingling, and twitching.
What should I avoid while taking cinacalcet?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with cinacalcet unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
Cinacalcet side effects
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, cramping, twitching, or
spasms; numbness or tingling; or seizures. These may be early signs of not enough calcium in the body.
If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking cinacalcet and seek emergency
medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
Other less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take cinacalcet and talk to your
doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
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nausea or vomiting;
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decreased appetite;
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diarrhea; or
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dizziness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect cinacalcet?
Before taking cinacalcet, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
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ketoconazole;
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tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
-
flecainide (Tambocor);
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thioridazine (Mellaril);
-
vinblastine (Velban, others);
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itraconazole; or
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erythromycin.
You may not be able to take cinacalcet, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cinacalcet. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about cinacalcet written for health professionals that
you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Cinacalcet is available with a prescription under the brand name Sensipar. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
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Sensipar 30 mg-light green, film-coated, oval tablets
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Sensipar 60 mg-light green, film-coated, oval tablets
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Sensipar 90 mg-light green, film-coated, oval tablets
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
