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What is Zemplar
ParicalcitolThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryParicalcitol is a synthetic form of vitamin D. It is used to lower levels of parathyroid hormone in patients with chronic kidney disease. This medication helps to prevent and treat high levels of parathyroid hormone caused by kidney failure.
Zemplaris the brand name
Zemplar Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Zemplar
Paricalcitol
1998
84
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Paricalcitol, also known as Zemplar, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses which include Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3 (Moderate) and Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease .Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3 (Moderate)
Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
Effectiveness
How Zemplar Affects PatientsSecondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a lack of vitamin D in the body, which is usually made naturally in the skin and obtained from diet. Vitamin D needs to go through two processes in the liver and kidney to be activated, and this is done by a hormone called calcitriol. Without enough calcitriol, the parathyroid gland, intestine, kidney, and bone cannot keep calcium and phosphorus in balance. This causes secondary hyperparathyroidism, which affects bone turnover and can cause renal osteodystrophy. Paricalcitol is a medication used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism and it has been
How Zemplar works in the bodyParicalcitol is a synthetic form of vitamin D. It works by binding to a protein in the body, called the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR). This causes other proteins in the body to work differently, including reducing the amount of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) in the body. PTH normally increases the amount of calcium in the blood, which can be harmful if it gets too high.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended measure of Zemplar depends on the diagnosed condition, including Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary, Hemodialysis and Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. The dosage can be found in the table below, contingent upon the technique of administration.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
, 0.005 mg/mL, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.001 mg, 0.002 mg, 0.004 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
, 0.005 mg/mL, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.001 mg, 0.002 mg, 0.004 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
, 0.005 mg/mL, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.001 mg, 0.002 mg, 0.004 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3 (Moderate)
, 0.005 mg/mL, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.001 mg, 0.002 mg, 0.004 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intravenous
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zemplar.Common Zemplar Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Sucralfate
Major
The serum concentration of Sucralfate can be increased when it is combined with Paricalcitol.
1alpha,24S-Dihydroxyvitamin D2
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Paricalcitol is combined with 1alpha,24S-Dihydroxyvitamin D2.
1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D5
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Paricalcitol is combined with 1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D5.
Acetyldigitoxin
Moderate
The risk or severity of ventricular arrhythmias and Cardiac Arrhythmia can be increased when Paricalcitol is combined with Acetyldigitoxin.
Acetyldigoxin
Moderate
The risk or severity of ventricular arrhythmias and Cardiac Arrhythmia can be increased when Paricalcitol is combined with Acetyldigoxin.
Zemplar Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zemplar?
15 active trials are currently evaluating the potential of Zemplar in alleviating Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3 (Moderate) and Hemodialysis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3 (Moderate)
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Zemplar Reviews: What are patients saying about Zemplar?
5Patient Review
9/15/2013 My PTH level dropped from 245 to 65 after using this treatment, which is amazing.
5Patient Review
1/9/2014 This medication has done wonders for me. I previously had trouble with Vitamin D deficiency and renal issues. Because of the Vitamin D not absorbing, Zemplar has helped that process.
5Patient Review
3/7/2011 I've been using this treatment for over six months and my levels are now normal. It can be tough to find a vitamin supplement without vitamin D, so if you have suggestions please let me know!
5Patient Review
4/5/2013 I feel like this medication is making me more fuzzy-headed, giving me diarrhea, and increasing my depression.
5Patient Review
5/5/2010 I've been taking this medication for over a year now and I haven't seen any changes in my blood tests. Not sure if it's working or not, but it is expensive either way.
4.7Patient Review
10/25/2009 The price is a bit high, but it's worth it for the results.
4.7Patient Review
7/23/20094.7Patient Review
9/20/20093.7Patient Review
2/4/2010 I'm not entirely sure if I am experiencing an adverse reaction to this medication or not. My doctor prescribed that I take two pills on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
3.3Patient Review
2/8/2012 It does the job it's supposed to, but I sometimes forget when I'm supposed to take it.
3Patient Review
4/8/2010 I'm a little hesitant about this medication because I don't know how it will affect me. I have diabetes and take insulin, so I worry about possible interactions.
3Patient Review
10/11/20093Patient Review
10/23/20092.3Patient Review
5/14/2010 I unfortunately developed hives when taking this medication on a daily basis.
2Patient Review
3/11/2012 This drug caused a litany of problems for me, from face and hand swelling to lowered blood pressure and excessive snoring. As a dialysis patient, the latter was particularly troublesome. I'm currently in discussions with my doctor to see if we can get me off this medication.
1Patient Review
3/9/2011 After taking this medication for a few months, I'm not sure if the side effects are worth it. My legs and ankles swell up, I feel fatigue, my blood pressure gets low, and I get dizzy spells and diarrhea the day after taking the medication.
Patient Q&A Section about zemplar
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What class of drug is ZEMPLAR?
"The safety and effectiveness of Zemplar have not been established in children younger than 5 years of age (IV dosing) and 10 years of age (orally)."
Answered by AI
What is ZEMPLAR used for?
"ZEMPLAR is a type of vitamin d that is used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism. This condition is characterized by an increase in parathyroid hormone levels. ZEMPLAR is approved for use in adults and children who are 10 years of age or older and have Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or who are in Stage 5 of renal failure and are receiving dialysis."
Answered by AI
When do you give ZEMPLAR?
"ZEMPLAR should be administered three times per week, no more frequently than every other day, at any time during dialysis. The maintenance dose of ZEMPLAR should be targeted to intact PTH levels within the desired therapeutic range and serum calcium within normal limits."
Answered by AI