Health Library

Cinacalcet (By mouth)

Cinacalcet (sin-a-KAL-set)

Lowers the amount of calcium in your blood.

Brand Name(s):

Sensipar

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine with food or shortly after a meal.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how cinacalcet works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carvedilol
  • Desipramine
  • Flecainide
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Metoprolol
  • Tricyclic antidepressant

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, bone disease, heart failure or other heart problems, or a history of seizures.
• This medicine may lower calcium levels too much and increase your risk for heart rhythm problems, seizures, or bone disease.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, confusion, mental changes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Muscle spasms, stiffness, or pain
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, and feet
• Seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back or joint pain
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024