Parathyroid Hormone

Generic name: Parathyroid Hormone [ par-a-THYE-roid-HOR- mone ]
Brand name: Natpara
Drug class: Parathyroid hormone and analogs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 21, 2023.

Uses of Parathyroid Hormone:

• It is used to control low blood calcium levels in people who have low blood parathyroid hormone levels.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Parathyroid Hormone?

• If you are allergic to parathyroid hormone; any part of parathyroid hormone; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking alendronate.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with parathyroid hormone.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take parathyroid hormone with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Parathyroid Hormone?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take parathyroid hormone. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Have your urine checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
• Take calcium and vitamin D as you were told by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using parathyroid hormone while you are pregnant.

Related/similar drugs

ergocalciferol, calcitriol, calcium carbonate, Caltrate, Drisdol, Rocaltrol, calcium lactate

How is this medicine (Parathyroid Hormone) best taken?

Use parathyroid hormone as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin in the thigh. Switch thighs every day.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• This medicine needs to be mixed before use. Follow how to mix as you were told by the doctor.
• Do not shake.
• Do not use if it has been shaken.
• Do not move parathyroid hormone from the pen to a syringe.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Do not share pen or cartridge devices with another person even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices may pass infections from one person to another. This includes infections you may not know you have.
• Keep using parathyroid hormone as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it and call your doctor right away. You may need to take more calcium.
• After using a missed dose, go back to your normal time the next day.
• Do not take more than 1 dose of parathyroid hormone in the same day.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high calcium levels like weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, upset stomach and throwing up, constipation, or bone pain.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• A new, tender lump.
• Lasting pain in 1 spot.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Very low blood calcium levels have happened with parathyroid hormone. The chance is highest when parathyroid hormone is stopped all of a sudden but can happen at any time. Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of low blood calcium levels like change in thinking; cramping of feet or hands; depression; memory problems; seizures; tingling of your lips, tongue, fingers, or feet; or twitching of face muscles.

What are some other side effects of Parathyroid Hormone?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Pain in arms or legs.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Neck pain.
• Belly pain.
• Tingling, tickling, or burning feeling of the skin.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Parathyroid Hormone?

• Before mixing, store in the refrigerator.
• Store in original container.
• After mixing, store the cartridge in the provided pen in the refrigerator.
• Do not freeze.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• Protect from heat.
• Protect from light.
• Throw away the cartridge 14 days after mixing, even if it is not empty.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time parathyroid hormone is refilled. If you have any questions about parathyroid hormone, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer