Cinacalcet
About
Cinacalcet belongs to the class of medications called 'calcimimetics' used to treat primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid-carcinoma. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). Secondary hyperparathyroidism is the medical condition of excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands in response to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), with resultant hyperplasia (increase in the number of cells) of these glands. Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in a parathyroid gland's tissues.
Cinacalcet contains 'cinacalcet', which works by signalling the body to produce a less parathyroid hormone to decrease the amount of calcium in the blood.
In some cases, Cinacalcet may cause common side effects like vomiting, nausea, rash, headache, muscle pain, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
Do not take Cinacalcet if you are allergic to ‘cinacalcet’ or other ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines other than Cinacalcet. Before taking Cinacalcet, inform your doctor if you have chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, liver diseases, or cardiac arrhythmia. Cinacalcet is not recommended in hypotension and hypocalcemia. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Cinacalcet
Medicinal Benefits
Cinacalcet contains 'cinacalcet', which belongs to the class of medications called 'calcimimetics' used in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid-carcinoma. It works by signalling the body to produce less parathyroid hormone to decrease the amount of calcium in the blood.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cinacalcet
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Rash
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Lower back or side pain
- Nervousness
- Difficult or painful urination
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cinacalcet if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines other than Cinacalcet. Before taking Cinacalcet, inform your doctor if you have chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, liver diseases, adynamic bone disease, or cardiac arrhythmia. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Cinacalcet, inform your doctor if you have rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cinacalcet may interact with antifungal drugs (ketoconazole and itraconazole), antacids (Balofloxacin), anti-depressant (amitryptiline, amoxapine, pimozide, thioridazine, fluvoxamine, imipramine), a protease inhibitor (indinavir, ritonavir), antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin), hormonal drugs (tamoxifen), antiarrhythmics (flecainide, carvedilol, verapamil), anti-cancer (vinblastine), anti-TB (rifampicin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using Cinacalcet.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cinacalcet should be used with caution in patients with chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, liver diseases, adynamic bone disease, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, hypocalcemia, or galactose intolerance.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionCinacalcet with alcohol may cause unpleasant effects. So please consult your doctor before taking Cinacalcet with alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionCinacalcet is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Before taking this medicine, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionCinacalcet is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Before taking this medicine, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the medicine or breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
Driving
cautionCinacalcet may cause blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness in some patients. You are advised not to perform any activities, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery, if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Liver
cautionCinacalcet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. A dose adjustment of Cinacalcet may be needed in some cases. So, Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCinacalcet is not recommended for use in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease who are not being treated with dialysis due to the increased risk of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). Depending on your clinical condition, dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative drug should be considered.
Children
cautionCinacalcet should not be used in children below 12 years of age unless prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid refined foods, such as white bread, pasta, and sugar.
- Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don't smoke.
Special Advise
- Monitor your calcium levels regularly during treatment with Cinacalcet. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of low calcium levels, such as numbness or tingling around the mouth or muscle aches.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and release (secrete) too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes the levels of calcium in your blood to rise, a condition known as hypercalcemia. There are two types of hyperparathyroidism, primary and secondary.
Primary hyperparathyroidism: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This can lead to the loss of bone tissue. Symptoms include constipation, frequent urination, increased thirst, joint pain, kidney pain (due to kidney stones), loss of appetite, and muscle weakness.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism: Secondary hyperparathyroidism is the medical condition of excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands in response to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), with resultant hyperplasia (increase in the number of cells) of these glands. This disorder is primarily seen in patients with chronic kidney failure. Symptoms include muscle pain and weakness.
Parathyroid cancer: Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in a parathyroid gland's tissues. Symptoms include weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss for no known reason, being much more thirsty than usual, urinating much more than usual, and constipation.
FAQs
Cinacalcet works by signalling the body to produce a less parathyroid hormone to decrease the amount of calcium in the blood.
Cinacalcet is not recommended for use in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease who are not being treated with dialysis due to the increased risk of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered based on the clinical condition.
If you have hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood), please contact a doctor before taking Cinacalcet.
Cinacalcet should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from seizures due to the increased risk of worsening their condition. Please consult your doctor before taking Cinacalcet.
