Sensipar

Sensipar is a calcimimetic drug used to treat hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Sensipar works by reducing high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus in the body. Sensipar is also used to lower calcium levels in patients with overactive or cancer in the parathyroid glands.

Sensipar requires a prescription and should be used only according to doctor’s instructions.

The doctor will first discuss the benefits and risks of Sensipar before beginning treatment. You have to do certain precautions while on Sensipar to prevent side effects and ensure good effect.

Allergies

Before taking Sensipar, tell the doctor  all of your allergies to foods, medicines and animal products.

Pediatric patients

Do not use Sensipar to patients less than 18 years old. The safety and effectiveness of Sensipar in children is not well established.

Elderly patients

Sensipar can be given to elderly patients, but they need closer monitoring because they can be at risk for other health problems.

Interactions with alcohol and tobacco

Use of alcohol and tobacco is not known to have any effect on the action of Sensipar in the body. Food, however, improves absorption of Sensipar in the stomach.

Pregnant patients

Sensipar is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it is not proven safe for the fetus when given to pregnant patients. Do not use Sensipar if you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Sensipar is known to be expressed through breast milk in animal studies only. However, do not nurse if you are taking Sensipar.

Drug interactions

Taking Sensipar with certain drugs can cause interactions that can result to undesirable effects. Mention all the medicines you take to your doctor before starting on Sensipar. Tell the doctor if you take one or more of the following medicines, which are known to interact with Sensipar:

• Brexpiprazole
• Clozapine
• Donepezil
• Doxorubicin
• Hydrochloride
• Liposome
• Eliglustat
• Fluoxetine
• Desipramine
• Ketoconazole

The doctor needs to know if you have other medical problems before prescribing Sensipar. Certain health conditions can worsen with Sensipar or reduce its effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following health problems:

• Bone disease
• Heart disease
• Hypotension
• Seizures
• Liver disease

Sensipar must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose of Sensipar is based on  patient’s diagnosis and present condition. Take the exact dose of Sensipar as prescribed, and do not increase dose or take longer than recommended.

Take Sensipar with food or right after a meal for better absorption. Swallow Sensipar pill whole without chewing or breaking it.

The doctor will require you to have blood tests frequently to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels in your bloodstream to make sure they do not become very low.

If you missed a dose of Sensipar, take them as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to previous dosing time. Do not increase or take double doses of Sensipar.

Make sure to take the correct dose of Sensipar. If you took too much, call local poison control hotlines right away.

Store Sensipar at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep them out of reach of children. 

When receiving Sensipar, you have to see your doctor and have blood tests regularly to monitor your condition. The doctor may have to change your dose of Sensipar as your body responds to it. 

Sensipar may cause side effects. These side effects caused by Sensipar may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Call your doctor if you have the following side effects while using Sensipar:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of the mouth, lips, nose, throat or tongue
• Shortness of breath, swelling, and rapid weight gain
• Muscle pain, tightness, or contractions
• Numbness or tingling sensation around the mouth

Sensipar may cause minor side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting