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Cinacalcet Coupon - Cinacalcet 30mg tablet

cinacalcet

Generic Sensipar
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism

Cinacalcet (Sensipar) lowers high parathyroid hormone levels in people with overactive parathyroid glands caused by different medical conditions, including parathyroid cancer. It's taken by mouth with food, typically once or twice daily. Some common side effects of cinacalcet (Sensipar) include nausea and vomiting. Your provider will order blood work regularly to check your calcium levels to make sure it doesn't drop to low and put you at risk for rare, but more serious side effects. Cinacalcet (Sensipar) is available as brand name and generic tablets.

Last reviewed on June 11, 2023
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What is Cinacalcet (Sensipar)?

What is Cinacalcet (Sensipar) used for?

How Cinacalcet (Sensipar) works

Parathyroid hormone is the hormone in your body that controls how much calcium and phosphorus are in your blood. Sometimes, people have overactive parathyroid glands that releases too much parathyroid hormone. This leads to your body releasing more calcium and phosphorus into the blood.

Cinacalcet (Sensipar) is in a drug class called calcimimetics. It works on your parathyroid glands to lower the amount of parathyroid hormone they produce. In doing so, it lowers the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSensipar
Drug Class Calcimimetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Cinacalcet (Sensipar)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (29-66%)
  • Vomiting (26-52%)
  • Diarrhea (21%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Dizziness
  • Poor appetite
  • Headache
  • Back pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Very low levels of calcium: muscle pain and spasms, pins and needles sensation, seizures
  • Stomach bleed: vomiting that won't stop, blood in your vomit or stool, black, tarry stools, really bad stomach pain
  • Heart problems: abnormal heartbeats, trouble breathing, sudden weight gain or swelling of your arms and legs, feeling confused

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

chest pain

dizziness

headache

nervousness

pounding in the ears

slow or fast heartbeat

Less common

Convulsions

cough or hoarseness

fever or chills

loss of bladder control

lower back or side pain

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

painful or difficult urination

sudden loss of consciousness

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps

confusion

decreased urine output

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with moving

dilated neck veins

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

extreme fatigue

fainting

irregular breathing

irregular heartbeats

joint pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

low bone turnover

mood or mental changes

muscle aching or cramping

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

muscle pains or stiffness

numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swollen joints

tightness in the chest

tremor

troubled breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

lack or loss of strength

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

weight loss

Incidence not known

Hives or welts, itching, rash

redness of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cinacalcet (Sensipar)

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Pros

Taken only once or twice a day

Can be used in people with kidney or liver problems

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

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Cons

Not the first choice for treating high parathyroid hormone levels

Can cause calcium levels to become too low

Should be taken with food

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cinacalcet (Sensipar)

pharmacist
  • Take your cinacalcet (Sensipar) tablet with food or shortly after a meal. Swallow it whole, and don't crush or chew it.

    • Store cinacalcet (Sensipar) tablets at room temperature.

      • Cinacalcet (Sensipar) commonly causes nausea and vomiting. Let your provider know if you experience these side effects.

        • Some medications, such as certain diuretics (water pills), can have the opposite effect of cinacalcet (Sensipar) and raise the level of calcium in your blood. Let your healthcare provider or pharmacist know about all the medications you're taking.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Cinacalcet (Sensipar)

          How should I take cinacalcet (Sensipar)?
          Take cinacalcet (Sensipar) by mouth with food or shortly after having a meal. This will help your body absorb more medication than if you were to take it on an empty stomach.
          Can cinacalcet (Sensipar) be cut in half or crushed?
          Don't chew, crush, or divide cinacalcet (Sensipar) tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing this medication whole, talk with your provider.
          Is cinacalcet (Sensipar) a phosphate binder?
          No, cinacalcet (Sensipar) isn't considered a phosphorus binder. But if you've chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are on dialysis, your provider might prescribe a phosphorus binder to take along with cinacalcet (Sensipar) to help lower phosphorus levels to a safe range. Your provider will likely check your phosphorus levels regularly while you're taking cinacalcet (Sensipar). Ask your care team if you've any questions about the medications you're taking for your condition.
          How long does it take for cinacalcet (Sensipar) to work?
          In clinical studies, many people who took cinacalcet (Sensipar) noticed changes in their parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus levels within 1 week. Your healthcare provider will regularly check your labs and review them to make sure this medication is working well for you. They might need to make adjustments to your dose of cinacalcet (Sensipar) every 2 to 4 weeks based on lab results. Keep in mind that it'll take some time before you and your provider find the right dose of cinacalcet (Sensipar) that works for you.
          Should I be concerned about having high parathyroid hormone levels?
          If your body's parathyroid hormone levels are too high, it can lead to osteoporosis (bone problems), kidney problems, or heart problems. Have a discussion with your provider about this concern and keep blood work appointments so your provider can make sure your levels are OK.
          Is cinacalcet (Sensipar) only for people on dialysis?
          It depends. Cinacalcet (Sensipar) is FDA-approved for people who have high levels of parathyroid hormone in their body caused by kidney problems and are on dialysis. However, some people have high levels of parathyroid hormone, but they're not on dialysis. Their condition is caused by cancer or other causes that raise the parathyroid hormone levels. For these people, they don't need to be on dialysis to use the medication.
          Can I use cinacalcet (Sensipar) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
          There's not enough data available to know whether or not breastfeeding or being pregnant while taking cinacalcet (Sensipar) is safe. If you are planning to become pregnant or already are, let your healthcare provider know so you can discuss the risks and benefits of continuing cinacalcet (Sensipar).
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          What are the risks and warnings for Cinacalcet (Sensipar)?

          Cinacalcet (Sensipar) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Low calcium levels

          • Risk factors: Heart problems | Seizures | Also taking medications that lower calcium levels

            Cinacalcet (Sensipar) can cause low blood calcium levels. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can lower your calcium levels. Very low calcium levels can be life-threatening. Low calcium levels can affect your muscles, cause seizures, and change your heart's natural rhythm. You'll need to have regular lab work done to make sure you are doing well on cinacalcet (Sensipar). Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of heart problems or seizures. Speak to your healthcare provider right away if you experience muscle cramps, muscle aches, confusion, tingling sensations in the fingers or lips, and abnormal heart beats.

            risk-warning

            Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding from the stomach)

            • Risk factors: History of ulcers | History of stomach problems

              Some people have experienced stomach bleeds while taking cinacalcet (Sensipar). The cause isn't known, but your risk might be higher if you have a history of ulcers or stomach problems. Speak to your healthcare provider right away if you experience nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away, blood in your vomit or stool, black, tarry stools, or stomach pain.

              risk-warning

              Bone problems

              Cinacalcet (Sensipar) can cause bone problems if your levels of parathyroid hormones are too low. Your healthcare provider will have you get regular lab work to check your PTH levels.

              risk-warning

              Heart problems

              • Risk factors: History of heart problems

                Cinacalcet (Sensipar) can cause heart problems (low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms) in those with a history of heart conditions. Let your healthcare provider know if you have abnormal heartbeats, trouble breathing, swelling of the limbs, sudden weight gain, mental confusion, or if you feel tired most of the time.

                dosage

                Cinacalcet (Sensipar) dosage forms

                Typical dosing for Cinacalcet (Sensipar)

                Overactive parathyroid in CKD

                • The typical starting dose is 30 mg by mouth once daily with food or after a meal. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your parathyroid hormone levels, as well as blood calcium and phosphorus levels. The maximum dose is 180 mg once daily.

                Overactive parathyroid and parathyroid cancer

                • The typical starting dose is 30 mg by mouth twice daily with food or after a meal. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your blood calcium levels. The maximum dose is 90 mg three to four times daily.

                interactions

                Interactions between Cinacalcet (Sensipar) and other drugs

                Cinacalcet (Sensipar) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cinacalcet (Sensipar). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                • Eliglustat

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                How much does Cinacalcet (Sensipar) cost?

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                contraindications-icon

                Cinacalcet (Sensipar) contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cinacalcet (Sensipar) will not be safe for you to take.
                • Very low calcium levels

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Cinacalcet (Sensipar)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cinacalcet (Sensipar). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Cinacalcet (Sensipar)
                Used for:
                $14.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Used for:
                • Prevention and treatment of high parathyroid hormone levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3, 4, or 5

                $79.42 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Used for:
                $13.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Cinacalcet (Sensipar) images

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                This medicine is Green, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Hb1".Green Oval Hb1 - Cinacalcet Hydrochloride 30mg Tablet
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                Green Oval 379 - Cinacalcet Hydrochloride 30mg Tablet
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                Green Oval 30 And A33 - Cinacalcet Hydrochloride 30mg Tablet
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                Green Oval Cl And 410 - Cinacalcet Hydrochloride 30mg Tablet
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                This medicine is Green, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Cn" And "30".Green Oval Cn And 30 - Cinacalcet Hydrochloride 30mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                A-S Medication Solutions. (2023). Sensipar- cinacalcet hydrochloride tablet, coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Goyal, A., et al. (2023). Hypocalcemia. StatPearls.

                National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Primary hyperparathyroidism.

                View All References (4)

                National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

                Shaker, J. L., et al. (2023). Calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Endotext.

                You and Your Hormones. (2020). Parathyroid hormone.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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