Cinacalcet Hydrochloride, Oral sin-a-KAL-set hy-droh-KLOR-ide

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: calcimimetic

Generic and brand names: cinacalcet hydrochloride, oral; Sensipar

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased production of hormone by the parathyroid glands). This problem may develop in people who have kidney problems and need dialysis. It is also used to treat calcium-related problems caused by parathyroid cancer. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• an irregular heartbeat or heart disease such as heart failure
• kidney or liver disease
• low blood pressure
• problems with low calcium levels in your blood
• seizures

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine with food or shortly after a meal. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: seizures, muscle pain, numbness, tingling, twitching.

What should I watch out for?

During treatment, you need to have blood tests often to check the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood. Keep all appointments for these tests.

You will need to follow a diet in which you get the right amount of calcium. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Seizures; chest pain; severe muscle pain or muscle twitches; numbness, tingling, or burning sensations; confusion; severe abdominal pain.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, rash, itching.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and erythromycin (Ery Tabs, E.E.S.)
• antidepressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and trazodone
• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• antipsychotic medicines such as haloperidol (Haldol) and thioridazine
• antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin)
• dasatinib (Sprycel)
• dextromethorphan (found in cold medicines such as Robitussin DM and Delsym)
• heart medicines such as amiodarone (Pacerone, Cordarone), flecainide (Tambocor), mexiletine (Mexitil), quinidine, and propafenone (Rythmol)
• narcotic analgesics (painkillers) such as codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), and oxycodone (Percocet, Tylox, OxyContin)
• tamoxifen
• tetrabenazine (Xenazine)
• tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.