Generic name: cinacalcet [ sin-ah-CAL-set ]
Drug class: Calcimimetics

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Apr 11, 2024.

What is Sensipar?

Sensipar decreases levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous in the body.

Sensipar is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive functioning of the parathyroid glands) in people who are on long-term dialysis for kidney disease.

Sensipar is also used to treat hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland, and in people with overactive parathyroid glands that cannot be treated surgically.

Warnings

You should not take Sensipar if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).

Before you take Sensipar, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, or a history of seizures.

Sensipar works best if you take it with food or shortly after eating a meal. Do not crush or break a tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes, seizure, feeling short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or feeling like you might pass out.

To be sure Sensipar is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Sensipar if you are allergic to cinacalcet, or if you have:

• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).

To make sure Sensipar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high or low blood pressure;

• heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorder;

• personal or family history of long QT syndrome;

• a stomach ulcer or severe vomiting;

• liver disease;

• seizures; or

• if you have kidney disease and you are not on dialysis.

It is not known whether Sensipar will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cinacalcet passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

Sensipar is not FDA-approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Sensipar?

Take Sensipar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Sensipar works best if you take it with food or shortly after eating a meal.

Do not crush or break a tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

To be sure your calcium and phosphorous levels do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested 1 week after you start taking Sensipar or whenever your dose is changed. You may also need blood tests on a regular basis during treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism:

Initial dose: 30 mg orally once a day (cinacalcet should be titrated no more frequently than every 2 to 4 weeks through sequential doses of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 mg orally once daily).
Maintenance dose: 30 to 180 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 180 mg once a day

Approved indication: Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis

Usual Adult Dose for Hypercalcemia of Malignancy:

Initial dose: 30 mg orally twice a day (Titrate dose every 2 to 4 weeks through sequential doses of 30 mg twice daily, 60 mg twice daily, 90 mg twice daily, and 90 mg 3 or 4 times daily).
Maintenance dose: 60 mg to 360 mg orally per day
Maximum dose: 90 mg four times a day

Approved indication: Parathyroid carcinoma and primary hyperparathyroidism who are unable to undergo parathyroidectomy

Usual Adult Dose for Primary Hyperparathyroidism:

Initial dose: 30 mg orally twice a day (Titrate dose every 2 to 4 weeks through sequential doses of 30 mg twice daily, 60 mg twice daily, 90 mg twice daily, and 90 mg 3 or 4 times daily).
Maintenance dose: 60 mg to 360 mg orally per day
Maximum dose: 90 mg four times a day

Approved indication: Parathyroid carcinoma and primary hyperparathyroidism who are unable to undergo parathyroidectomy

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, dexamethasone, Reclast, Decadron, denosumab, cinacalcet, paricalcitol, doxercalciferol, Zemplar, Hectorol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Sensipar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Sensipar : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth;

• muscle pain, tightness, or contraction;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

• low levels of calcium in your blood - numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Common Sensipar side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• headache, fatigue;

• diarrhea.

• low blood pressure;

• decreased appetite; or;

• tingling in the arms, hands, legs or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Sensipar?

Many drugs can interact with cinacalcet. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Sensipar. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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