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What is Sensipar
CinacalcetThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCinacalcet is a medication used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood caused by either parathyroid tumors or kidney failure. It is sold under the brand names Sensipar® in North America and Australia, and Mimpara® in Europe.
Sensiparis the brand name
Sensipar Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Sensipar
Cinacalcet
2004
88
Effectiveness
How Sensipar Affects PatientsCinacalcet is a drug that acts like calcium in the body and is used to treat a kidney disorder called secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This disorder causes a build-up of calcium and phosphorus which can lead to bone damage. Cinacalcet works by increasing the body's sensitivity to calcium, reducing calcium levels in the blood and helping to prevent further bone damage. Studies have shown that reducing calcium levels with Cinacalcet also helps reduce bone turnover and bone fibrosis.
How Sensipar works in the bodyCinacalcet helps lower parathyroid hormone levels. It does this by increasing the sensitivity of cells to calcium, which in turn inhibits the secretion of PTH. As a result, calcium levels in the blood also decrease.
When to interrupt dosage
The endorsed dose of Sensipar is dependent upon the identified condition, including Dialysis therapy, Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary and Chronic Kidney Disease. The amount of dosage is subject to the administration approach (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Tablet) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hypercalcemia
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Dialysis therapy
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Parathyroidectomy
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Chronic Kidney Disease
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Hyperparathyroidism
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Parathyroid Carcinoma
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
30.0 mg, , 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Warnings
Sensipar ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Hypocalcemia
Do Not Combine
decreased serum calcium
Do Not Combine
Common Sensipar Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
4-Methoxyamphetamine
Major
The metabolism of 4-Methoxyamphetamine can be decreased when combined with Cinacalcet.
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Major
The metabolism of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine can be decreased when combined with Cinacalcet.
Acebutolol
Major
The metabolism of Acebutolol can be decreased when combined with Cinacalcet.
Acetaminophen
Major
The metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Cinacalcet.
Almotriptan
Major
The metabolism of Almotriptan can be decreased when combined with Cinacalcet.
Sensipar Toxicity & Overdose RiskCinacalcet can be taken up to 300mg once a day, even for those on dialysis. Taking too much of the drug may lower calcium levels in the body.
Sensipar Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sensipar?
At present, 121 active trials are assessing the potential of Sensipar in treating Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypercalcemia and providing Dialysis therapy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hypercalcemia
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Dialysis therapy
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Hyperparathyroidism
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Chronic Kidney Disease
115 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Parathyroidectomy
0 Actively Recruiting
Parathyroid Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Sensipar Reviews: What are patients saying about Sensipar?
5Patient Review
6/4/2013 This medication has really allowed me to improve my quality of life. After a few weeks, all the negative side effects I was experiencing- like fatigue, lack of energy, irritation, and depression- went away.
5Patient Review
10/19/2018 I'm worried that this medication is harming my kidneys, even though I don't have renal failure or cod.
5Patient Review
9/12/2012 I have stage 5 CKD and take sensipar with my largest meal of the day. I've experienced no side effects at all, and it has really helped me feel better overall. Along with sensipar, I also take Calcitriol 3 times a week, and a potassium supplement and Nephro vitamin daily.
4.3Patient Review
9/14/2011 This medication has improved my PTH, Phosphorus, and Calcium numbers. I haven't had any side effects. This saved me from surgery.
4.3Patient Review
7/13/2016 My calcium levels have dropped significantly since taking this medication, and I'm now also experiencing full-mouth hyperplasia. My gums are swollen and no amount of dental visits have helped. I can almost pinpoint this problem since I began taking Sensipar, but have not found any other back-up. Am curious if anyone else has had a problem with their teeth and/or gums while taking this drug.
4Patient Review
2/8/2017 I had a renal transplant in 2007 and I'm currently in my ninth year. I developed hypoparathyroidism in my third year and began Sensipar and Calcitriol. I occasionally experience some muscle pain, but no other side effects have been noticeable. I take my medication as directed and religiously follow the instructions. Unfortunately, my numbers have been creeping up lately and I've had to increase my dosage to 60mg per day.
3Patient Review
9/4/2010 I was prescribed Sensipar by my doctor, but I found that it made me feel worse over time. I have primary parathyroidism and am on dialysis due to an inefficient surgeon who didn't know when to quit. I cannot say I'm happy with the results of this treatment, so I stopped using it and won't go back on it.
2.7Patient Review
8/16/2011 Even though this drug is expensive, there are ways to get help with the cost. For example, many insurers will not pay for it; however, if you have private insurance drug coverage ask your dietician or nephrologist for the manufacturers co-pay card from AMGEN pharma. This discount card will reduce your co-pay to just $5 and is good for 12 refills!
2.7Patient Review
3/16/2015 I had a kidney transplant in 2003, but my thyroid continued to function. The downside is that this drug is expensive; I have to pay $189 for just 15 pills. Plus, I have to take other immune suppressants which can rack up the cost even more.
2.7Patient Review
10/8/2014 My patient has had to be hospitalized three times now as a result of very high calcium levels. This is life threatening and she's scheduled for surgery to remove some parathyroid glands.
2.3Patient Review
5/1/2012 I got a lung infection from this drug that needed three different courses of antibiotics to treat.
2Patient Review
6/9/2011 I found this treatment to be ineffective. I believe that taking phosphate binders is a more effective way to lower PTH levels, and was managing just fine on dialysis before starting densipar. I think that the hype around bone loss is exaggerated, and removing the parathyroid gland is a big mistake, especially if you later get a transplant.
1.7Patient Review
7/12/2013 I unfortunately gained weight and experienced back pain while taking this medication. I don't understand why it was prescribed to me, as I don't have cancer or high calcium levels.
1.3Patient Review
1/10/2019 The side effects were really tough to deal with on this one. Muscle pain, no appetite, back and joint pain made it hard for me to justify taking this medication.
1Patient Review
2/11/2012 I stopped using Sensipar because I started experiencing a whole host of negative effects, like vomiting and hallucinations. I couldn't even drive or leave my bed because my bones hurt so much. This medication was honestly terrible for me.
Patient Q&A Section about sensipar
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Who should not take Sensipar?
"Do not take Sensipar if you have low levels of calcium in your blood. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking Sensipar: high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, or a history of seizures."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between Sensipar and cinacalcet?
"The generic name for Sensipar is Cinacalcet. The drug comes in pill form in three strengths (30mg, 60mg, and 90mg). It is designed for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism."
Answered by AI
When do you give Sensipar?
"You should take Sensipar once a day, at one of the 5 recommended daily doses. The tablets should be taken whole, with food or shortly after a meal. It's best to take Sensipar at the same time, with the same meal, every day. You should take Sensipar at least 12 hours before your PTH blood test."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Sensipar used for?
"Sensipar is indicated for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. Sensipar should not be used in patients with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis because they are at an increased risk for low calcium levels."
Answered by AI