See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Sensipar
What is Sensipar (cinacalcet)?
Sensipar is the brand name for cinacalcet, a medicine that lowers parathyroid hormone (PTH) by increasing the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor on parathyroid cells. It is used to treat certain conditions where calcium and PTH levels are abnormal, including in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism related to chronic kidney disease and other approved hyperparathyroidism settings [1].
What conditions is Sensipar used for?
Sensipar/cinacalcet is prescribed for disorders of parathyroid hormone regulation, including:
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease (typically in dialysis patients in many regions) [1]
- Hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism when surgery is not appropriate, as well as other specified hyperparathyroidism categories in product labeling [1]
How does Sensipar change calcium and PTH?
By acting on the calcium-sensing receptor in the parathyroid gland, cinacalcet reduces PTH secretion. Lower PTH then helps reduce blood calcium levels, which is why monitoring calcium (and sometimes phosphate) is part of treatment [1].
What side effects do patients usually ask about?
The most important known risk with cinacalcet is low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Symptoms can include tingling/numbness, muscle cramps, or spasms; severe cases can cause more serious problems. Your prescriber will guide dosing and monitoring to reduce this risk [1].
How is Sensipar typically taken?
Dosing and schedule depend on the indication and lab results (especially calcium and PTH). Clinicians adjust the dose based on response and lab monitoring to keep calcium from going too low while controlling PTH [1].
What lab monitoring is required?
Treatment generally involves regular blood tests to check:
- Calcium levels (to avoid hypocalcemia)
- PTH levels (to assess response)
Your clinician uses these results to adjust dosing over time [1].
Practical safety: who needs extra caution?
Extra caution is common for people with higher risk of low calcium or who have factors that change calcium levels. Clinicians typically consider baseline calcium, medication interactions, and kidney function when starting and adjusting cinacalcet [1].
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Sources
- Sensipar (cinacalcet) prescribing information