What is cinacalcet?
Cinacalcet decreases levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous in the body.
Cinacalcet is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive functioning of the parathyroid glands) in people who are on long-term dialysis for kidney disease.
Cinacalcet is also used to lower calcium levels in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland.
Cinacalcet may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cinacalcet?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to cinacalcet.
Before you take cinacalcet, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, or a history of seizures.
There are many other medicines that can interact with cinacalcet. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Cinacalcet works best if you take it with food or shortly after eating a meal.
Do not crush or break a cinacalcet tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cinacalcet?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to cinacalcet.
To make sure you can safely take cinacalcet, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
high blood pressure;
heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorder;
a history or seizures;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cinacalcet will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
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 cinacalcet.
Do not give this medication to a child without a doctor's advice.