Uses of Cinacalcet

Cinacalcet is used in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism with serious kidney disease in whom dialysis is needed to clear blood from waste products. It also used in the treatment of parathyroid cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients.

Therapeutic Category

Cinacalcet: Calcimimetics

How Cinacalcet works

Cinacalcet works by reducing the level of parathyroid hormone through extracellular calcium which increases the sensitivity of the calcium sensing receptors to get activated resulting in the inhibition of parathyroid hormone thus decreasing the level of calcium in the blood.

Common side effects of Cinacalcet

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss or decrease of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Allergic reactions such as rash 
• Headache
• Seizures
• Low blood pressure
• Signs of upper respiratory infection (such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and throat pain)
• Breathing difficulties
• Cough
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Upper abdomen pain
• Constipation
• Muscle spasms
• Back pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation in hands, legs or feet

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Signs of hypocalcemia (low calcium level) such as spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscles, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around your mouth or seizures, confusion or loss of consciousness
• Signs of allergic skin reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing

Health Tips for Cinacalcet

• Follow your doctor's instructions and take Cinacalcet exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication early, even if you start feeling better, unless instructed by your doctor
• If you have liver problems or a history of seizures, inform your doctor before starting cinacalcet
• While taking cinacalcet, it's essential to avoid excessive consumption of calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Cinacalcet can interact with certain drugs
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast feeding women