Sensipar Tablet (Generic Equivalent) (Cinacalcet)

It is a prescribed drug used to treat hyperactive parathyroid hormone in the patients afflicted to renal impairment, or on dialysis. It is a kind of calcimimetic medication. It acts via allosteric activation of the calcium-sensing receptor in various tissues of human organs. It is available under the trade name Sensipar in the market. 

Which ailments cinacalcet help treat?

•    Hyperparathyroidism

•    Parathyroid carcinoma

•    Renal impairment

•    Hepatic impairment

What are the side-effects?

Some of the common side-effects include-

•    Loose Motions

•    Vomiting

•    Nausea

•    Myalgia

•    Hypertension

•    Dizziness

•    Fatigue

•    Infection

•    Anorexia

•    Chest pain

•    Seizures

•    Hypotension

•    Hypocalcemia

•    Bone disease

•    Arrhythmia

•    Gastrointestinal Bleeding

•    Asthenia

Dosage of Medication

•    It is available in the form of a tablet with the dosage strength of 30mg, 60 mg and 90mg respectively meant to be taken orally via the mouth

•    The drug is indicated to be taken in case of severe hypocalcaemia who are not the right candidate for parathyroidectomy.

•    The initial dosage is 30mg PO q 12 hr. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed at 2-4 week interval. 

•    In case of chronic kidney disease along with overactive parathyroid, this drug is prescribed with an initial dosage of 30mg PO q/day. If the need arises, the subsequent doses can be increased from 60, 90, 120 to 180mg/day

•    In case of hypercalcemia along with parathyroid carcinoma initial dose of 30mg PO 12 hourly is prescribed. Subsequent doses include 60 and 90mg to normalise levels of serum calcium.

•    In case of renal problem, dose alteration is not mandatory

•    Monitoring of Parathyroid hormone levels is of utmost significance in the case of hepatic dysfunction

•    Check serum calcium levels every 2 months

Warnings & Precautions

•    The drug is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity and severe hypocalcaemia

•    In case you have a past history of neurologic deficit such as seizures, you are not the right candidate for this drug

•    In case you have CKD (chronic kidney disease), this drug is not recommended 

•    Tapering of drug dose is generally done in patients who are exposed to moderate to severe levels of liver function impairment

•    Patients are advised to give the complete past medical history of cardiac problem, kidney dysfunction and hepatic impairment since this drug interferes with these conditions.

•    Alteration or missed calcium dosage may cause severe adverse outcomes such as tetany, hypocalcemia and parasthesia. Therefore, it is advised to take this drug as per the scheduled time on a regular basis

•    In case you are allergic to any drug or cinacalcet, do inform your doctor regarding the same

•    Talk to your doctor regarding all the prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking

• Store the drug at room temperature out of the reach of the children as it may cause adverse effects in them

How does it help in the treatment?

It works via increasing the sensitivity of calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid hormone which indirectly activates the extracellular calcium. This down regulates parathyroid hormone levels and lowers down the calcium and phosphorous. 80% of this drug is excreted in urine and 15% in faecal matter.