Judith A. Beto, PhD

Research Associate
Division of Nephrology and Hypertension
Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois

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Amit Sharma, MD, FACP, FASN

Director of Clinical Research
Boise Kidney and Hypertension Institute
Meridian, Idaho

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Indication
Sensipar® is indicated for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

Important Safety Information
Significant reductions in calcium may lower the threshold for seizures. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) patients, particularly those with a history of seizure disorder, should be carefully monitored for the occurrence of low serum calcium or symptoms of hypocalcemia.

In Sensipar® postmarketing use, isolated, idiosyncratic cases of hypotension, worsening heart failure, and/or arrhythmia were reported in patients with impaired cardiac function. The causal relationship to Sensipar® therapy could not be completely excluded and may be mediated by reductions in serum calcium levels.

Sensipar® lowers serum calcium; therefore, it is important that patients have a serum calcium ≥ 8.4 mg/dL when initiating therapy.

Adynamic bone disease may develop if intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels are suppressed below 100 pg/mL.

Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment should be monitored throughout treatment with Sensipar®, as cinacalcet exposure assessed by area under the curve (AUC) was higher than in patients with normal hepatic function.

Serum calcium and serum phosphorus should be measured within 1 week and PTH should be measured 1 to 4 weeks after initiation or dose adjustment of Sensipar®. Once the maintenance dose has been established, serum calcium and serum phosphorus should be measured approximately monthly, and PTH every 1 to 3 months.

The most commonly reported side effects were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.