Index
It is used to treat and prevent hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.
The hyperparathyroidism is a condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands in the neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH its English acronym).
This hormone controls the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood. Zemplar helps reduce the amount of PTH which lowers calcium and phosphorus concentrations.
The drug can only be purchased if your doctor prescribed it.
Appropriate use
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Don’t take more, don’t take it more often, and don’t take it for a longer time than your doctor prescribed. You can take this medicine with or without food.
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet carefully. Do not use vitamin D, phosphate or calcium supplements or antacids that contain aluminum without checking with your doctor.
Your doctor may tell you to limit your dietary intake of phosphate. Foods high in phosphate include beans, beer, chocolate, cheese, cola, ice cream, milk, nuts, peas, whole grain products, and yogurt.
If you are also taking cholestyramine or mineral oil, do not take it at the same time you take this medicine. Take zemplar capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine or mineral oil.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using this medicine.
Dosage
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The information below includes only the average doses of this drug.
For hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease (oral dosage with capsules):
- Adults: Initially 1 to 2 micrograms (mcg) once a day or 2 to 4 mcg 3 times a week (taken no more than every other day) as directed by your doctor.
- Children 10 to 16 years of age: 1 mcg 3 times per week (taken no more than every other day) as directed by your doctor.
- Children under 10 years: dosage and use should be discussed by your doctor.
recommendations
Allergies
The possibility of taking this medicine should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you have had allergies to other medicines in the past. You also have to check if you are not allergic to any of the components of zemplar.
Pediatric
How effective and safe zemplar is in children under 10 years of age has not been very well established.
Geriatric
Specific problems in the elderly have not yet been demonstrated to establish an age limit for the use of the drug.
Lactation
There are no adequate studies in women to determine infant risk when using this medicine while breastfeeding. Weigh the possible benefits against the possible risks before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
Taking Zemplar with medications such as ketoconazole and burosumab-twza is not recommended.
Other interactions
Certain medications should not be used at or near mealtime, as certain types of foods are eaten as interactions can occur. Drinking alcohol and using tobacco can also cause reactions.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Heart rhythm problems (for example, arrhythmia).
- Bone disease
- High calcium content in the urine (hypercalciuria).
- High phosphate content in the blood (hyperphosphatemia).
- Seizures: use with caution.
- High level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia).
- Excessive levels of vitamin D in the body.
Precautions
It is important that your doctor is aware of the effects of the medicine on your body. Frequent blood and urine tests may be required.
Do not take other medications unless they have been discussed with your doctor. Taking other medications (especially digoxin, Lanoxin®) together with zemplar may require your doctor to change the dose of one of the medications or zemplar.
This medicine can increase the calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of high calcium can include:
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Confusion.
- Constipation.
- Depression .
- Dry mouth.
- Headache.
- Talk incoherent.
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste
- Muscular weakness.
- Sickness.
- However.
- Unusual tiredness
- Vomiting
- Weightloss.
- See your doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.
This medicine can increase aluminum in your blood and cause damage to your bones if used in combination with any product that contains aluminum (for example, antacids or phosphate binders). Ask your doctor before taking any of these products.
