Cinacalcet is a medication used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and people on dialysis. It works by reducing the amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced by the body. It is a calcimimetic, meaning it binds to calcium receptors in the parathyroid glands and stimulates them to produce less PTH. This helps to reduce the symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism, such as high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) and bone damage caused by too much calcium in the bones. Cinacalcet is typically taken once daily, either with or without food, and can be taken with other medications used to treat CKD
Cinacalcet, sold under the brand name Sensipar® in North America and Australia and Mimpara® in Europe, is a medication used to treat two specific conditions:
1. Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease (CKD):
- Condition: This occurs when the parathyroid glands, located near the thyroid gland, become overactive and produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This happens in people with advanced CKD, as their kidneys are unable to remove excess phosphorus effectively, leading the parathyroid glands to overcompensate.
- Function of Cinacalcet: It acts as a calcimimetic, mimicking the action of calcium on the parathyroid glands. This signals the glands to reduce PTH production, ultimately lowering blood calcium levels and improving bone health in patients with CKD.
2. Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) in parathyroid carcinoma:
- Condition: This is a rare cancer of the parathyroid glands that causes them to produce excessive PTH, leading to dangerously high blood calcium levels.
- Function of Cinacalcet: Similar to its role in CKD, Cinacalcet helps decrease PTH production in parathyroid carcinoma, thereby lowering blood calcium levels and managing symptoms associated with hypercalcemia.
Key points about Cinacalcet:
- Prescription medication: Only available with a doctor's prescription.
- Dosage form: Comes in tablet form, taken orally with or without food.
- Potential side effects: May include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and low blood calcium levels.
- Important considerations:
- Not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or allergies.
- Requires regular monitoring of blood calcium levels by a healthcare professional.
- Not a cure for the underlying condition but helps manage symptoms and complications.