Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Cinacalcet. This is especially true if you are on dialysis due to chronic kidney disease, or if you have high blood calcium levels due to a problem with your parathyroid glands. So, let's talk briefly about what this medication is, how to use it, and what you need to be aware of.
What kind of medicine is Cinacalcet?
Simply put, Cinacalcet is a medicine that helps control the level of calcium in our body. The parathyroid glands in our neck produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone. This hormone controls the level of calcium in our blood.
Imagine, in some medical conditions, for example, when the kidneys are not working properly, these parathyroid glands become overactive, and too much calcium accumulates in the blood. We call this Hypercalcemia. This is when the drug Cinacalcet helps. What this drug does is increase the sensitivity of the parathyroid glands, giving them a signal that says, "Okay, there is enough calcium in the body now, don't produce any more." As a result, hormone production decreases, and the calcium level in the blood returns to normal. This drug is most commonly available under the brand name `(Sensipar)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before you are prescribed this medicine, it is essential that you tell your doctor about your complete health history. Do not hide anything. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular:
- If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat.
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have previously been diagnosed with low calcium levels in your blood.
- If you have had seizures before.
- If you have any problems with your stomach or intestines (e.g. ulcers).
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to cinacalcet or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a nursing mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you and, if so, what dosage to give.
The correct way to use medicine
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Most importantly: Take this medicine with or immediately after food . Do not take it on an empty stomach. The medicine is better absorbed by the body when taken with food.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
- Take the prescribed dose at the time prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip doses.
- Don't stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice just because you feel better.
What to do if you overdose on medicine?
If you think you have taken more than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not take this lightly, as a sudden drop in calcium levels can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two pills at once to make up for the missed dose.
Other medications that may cause problems with Cinacalcet
This is why it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Some medications can interact with Cinacalcet and cause problems.
| Type of medicine / substance | Things to pay special attention to |
|---|---|
| Thioridazine | This is a medication for mental illness. Do not use this with Cinacalcet for any reason. |
| Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) | These may change the way Cinacalcet works. |
| Antibiotics such as Erythromycin | This can also affect the effectiveness of the medicine. |
| Heart medications (e.g. flecainide) | It is essential to inform the doctor. |
| Medications for depression and anxiety | Tell the doctor about these things too. |
| Grapefruit juice | Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking its juice while taking this medicine. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you are taking.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like any medicine, Cinacalcet can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and take action quickly if necessary.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of low calcium levels | Numbness in the limbs or around the mouth, muscle twitching, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. |
| Symptoms of low blood pressure | Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, falling. |
| Symptoms of internal bleeding | Black, tarry stools, vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Mental changes | Severe depressed mood. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite. |
| Body aches | Bone pain, joint pain. |
How to store medicine safely?
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Do not use expired medications . Dispose of them properly.
This medicine is for you only. Don't give it to someone else just because it worked for you. It could be dangerous.
Take-Home Message
- Cinacalcet is a medication used to control blood calcium levels in kidney disease and parathyroid gland problems.
- Always take this medicine with or after food . Do not break or chew the tablets.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other illnesses you have, especially heart disease and liver disease.
- If you experience any symptoms of low calcium levels in your body (numbness in your hands and feet, muscle twitching), low blood pressure, or allergies, tell your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice. Get your blood tests done on time.
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