What is paricalcitol prescribed for?

Paricalcitol is used to treat and prevent high levels of a certain natural substance made by the body (parathyroid hormone) in patients with long-term kidney disease. In these patients, the high level of parathyroid hormone is caused by a low level of calcium and a certain kind of vitamin D.

Is paricalcitol the same as calcitriol?

Paricalcitol and calcitriol result in similar ≥50\% reduction of parathyroid hormone, calcium concentration, phosphate concentration, calcium phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, hypercalcemia, adverse events, and serious adverse events for secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients.

What does zemplar do to calcium?

Paricalcitol (Zemplar) can raise your calcium levels, which can cause tiredness, trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, more thirst, more urination, and weight loss. Let your provider know right away if you feel any of these symptoms.

How does zemplar work in the body?

ZEMPLAR works by telling the parathyroid glands to stop producing too much PTH. You and your doctor may decide prescription ZEMPLAR may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan. To help manage your condition, your doctor should test your blood and adjust your ZEMPLAR medication dose based on the test results.

Does everyone have a parathyroid?

Everyone has four parathyroid glands, usually located right around the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. About 1 in 100 people (1 in 50 women over 50) will develop a parathyroid gland tumor during their lifetime, causing a disease called “hyperparathyroidism”.

What is the brand name for paricalcitol?

BRAND NAME(S): Zemplar. USES: Paricalcitol is a man-made active form of vitamin D, which is needed for building and keeping strong bones. Paricalcitol is used in patients with long-term kidney disease to treat or prevent high levels of a certain natural substance made by the body (parathyroid hormone).

Is calcitriol a vitamin D analog?

Calcitriol is a natural topical vitamin D3 analog with both short- and long-term studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety, with minimal risk of side effects.

Does paricalcitol increase calcium?

Paricalcitol dose-dependent reductions in iPTH were observed. Paricalcitol in CKD patients (±SHPT) was associated with modest increases in calcium and phosphate.

When is the best time to take paricalcitol?

Take paricalcitol capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine or mineral oil.

What are the side effects of Zemplar?

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, loss of appetite, back/bone/joint/muscle pain, constipation, dry mouth, eye pain/redness/sensitivity to light, headache, nausea/vomiting, drowsiness, stomach/abdominal pain, increased thirst.

Is zemplar a controlled substance?

It is supplied by AbbVie Inc.. Zemplar is used in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism and belongs to the drug class vitamins. Risk cannot be ruled out during pregnancy. Zemplar 1 mcg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).