Cinacalcet Tablets

What is this medication?

CINACALCET (sin a CAL set) treats an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) in people with kidney disease. It works by lowering parathyroid hormone levels in your body, which lowers calcium and phosphorus levels. This supports bone health. It may also be used to treat high calcium levels in people with parathyroid gland conditions.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sensipar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Liver disease
• Low levels of calcium in the blood
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to cinacalcet, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not break, chew, or crush tablets. Take this medication with food or right after a meal. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Erythromycin
• Flecainide
• Grapefruit juice
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
• Medications for pain
• Medications for sleep
• St. John's Wort
• Vinblastine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your care team will order important blood tests while you are taking this medication.

Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

This medication alters the calcium level in your blood. You may need to be on a special diet. Talk to your care team about the foods you eat and the vitamins you take.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bone pain
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low calcium level—muscle pain or cramps, confusion, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Seizures
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.