Sensipar (Cinacalcet)

Description

Sensipar (Cinacalcet) is a medication that helps the body manage calcium levels. It works as a calcimimetic agent that interacts with the body's calcium-sensing receptors. Cinacalcet effectively increases the sensitivity of these receptors to calcium in the blood, which in turn helps to control the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). High PTH levels are often seen in people with chronic kidney disease, particularly those requiring dialysis. By managing the body's natural calcium sensors, Sensipar helps keep calcium and phosphorus levels balanced.

Directions

Sensipar should be taken with food or shortly after a meal to improve absorption. The initial dose is typically started at 30 mg once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. Adjustments may be made by your healthcare provider every 2 to 4 weeks based on your body's response and blood test results. It’s important to follow your doctor's advice and keep all your blood test appointments because these tests check important minerals and help adjust your medication for the best results. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or divided

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Sensipar is Cinacalcet.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Known hypersensitivity to Cinacalcet or to any of the ingredients in the product
• Low serum calcium levels that are below the normal range, because Sensipar can further reduce calcium levels, potentially leading to hypocalcemia

Cautions

• Before taking Sensipar, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Sensipar lowers calcium in your blood which can lead to dangerous calcium loss. Symptoms of low calcium can include tingling or numbness, muscle cramps or spasms, fatigue, and even seizures. In rare but serious cases, it can cause heart rhythm problems or be life-threatening.
• Let your doctor know right away if you notice strange muscle sensations, weakness, twitching, or confusion. Blood tests will be done regularly to check your calcium levels while you’re on Sensipar, especially if you have kidney disease but are not on dialysis, since the risk of low calcium is higher.
• Low calcium can affect your heart’s rhythm. People with a history of long QT syndrome or a family history of sudden heart death are at higher risk. You may need an EKG (heart test) while on Sensipar.
• A small number of patients have had seizures while taking Sensipar. This may be due to calcium dropping too low. If you’ve had seizures in the past or are at higher risk, your doctor will watch your calcium levels even more closely.
• Sensipar has been linked to bleeding in the stomach or digestive tract, especially in people with a history of ulcers, stomach irritation, or frequent vomiting. Let your doctor know if you experience vomiting blood, black stools, or persistent stomach pain.
• Rare cases of low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or worsening heart failure have been reported. These issues may also be connected to very low calcium levels. If you have heart problems, make sure your healthcare provider knows before starting Sensipar.
• Sensipar helps lower PTH, but if levels drop too low, it may affect your bone health. If your doctor finds that your PTH levels are below 150, they may lower your dose or stop the medicine to help prevent bone issues over time.
• Using Sensipar along with other drugs that lower calcium—like certain phosphate binders or vitamin D treatments—can make hypocalcemia worse. Your care team will closely monitor your bloodwork if you're on multiple medications that affect calcium.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Sensipar include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle spasms, and headache. Some people may also experience loss of appetite, constipation, or upper abdominal pain. Hypocalcemia is a known risk and may present with muscle cramps or tingling sensations, especially during the first few months of treatment. Serious reactions such as seizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, and allergic responses like rash or swelling have also been reported.

Sensipar may lead to more serious complications, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease or parathyroid disorders. Some individuals have experienced low blood calcium levels severe enough to require dose adjustments or stopping the medication. Rare side effects include heart rhythm problems, worsening heart failure, and a condition known as pseudogout. In rare cases, liver problems and upper respiratory infections have occurred, and careful monitoring is recommended for those at higher risk.

References

1. Sensipar (Cinacalcet) Product Monograph. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen Inc.; 2019.
2. Sensipar (Cinacalcet) Drug Label Information. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen Inc.; 2024.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....