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Compare Hectorol vs. Sensipar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hectorol (doxercalciferol) and Sensipar (cinacalcet) are both used to manage parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is a vitamin D analog that helps lower PTH levels by increasing calcium absorption, which in turn reduces PTH production. It is used specifically for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is available as both capsules and intravenous injections. On the other hand, Sensipar (cinacalcet) is a calcimimetic that directly lowers PTH levels by making the parathyroid gland more sensitive to calcium, thus reducing PTH production. Sensipar (cinacalcet) is used for overactive parathyroid conditions, including those caused by parathyroid cancer, and is taken orally with food. While both medications are available in generic forms, Hectorol (doxercalciferol) can cause high calcium levels, whereas Sensipar (cinacalcet) can cause calcium levels to drop too low. Additionally, Sensipar (cinacalcet) is not the first choice for treating high PTH levels and requires careful monitoring for potential heart and gastrointestinal issues.

  • Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
    Cinacalcet (Sensipar)
  • Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
    Cinacalcet (Sensipar)

  • Summary of Hectorol vs. Sensipar

    Summary for Vitamin D analog
    Prescription only

    Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is a lab-made form of vitamin D2. It's a medication that's used to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those on dialysis. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is available as lower-cost generic capsules and an injection through the vein (intravenous or IV). Side effects include infection, constipation, runny nose, and cough.

    Summary for Calcimimetic
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Hectorol vs. Sensipar

    Indications for
    •High PTH levels (secondary parathyroidism) in adults with stage 3 or stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) - capsules only
    •High PTH levels in adults with CKD and on dialysis - capsules and IV injection
    Indications for
    •High calcium levels from:
    •Overactive parathyroid that can't be removed by surgery
    •Overactive parathyroid in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on dialysis
    •Parathyroid cancer

  • Pros and Cons of Hectorol vs. Sensipar

    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analog
    Pros
    •Capsules are taken once per day
    •Can help lower PTH levels
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, such as calcium- or vitamin-D containing products and digoxin (Lanoxin)
    •Risk of high calcium levels
    •Requires frequent lab monitoring
    Pros and Const for Calcimimetic
    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
    Cons
    •Not the first choice for treating high parathyroid hormone levels
    •Can cause calcium levels to become too low
    •Should be taken with food

  • Common Side Effects of Hectorol vs. Sensipar

    Common Side Effects for

    Stage 3 or 4 CKD:

    •Infection (30%)
    •Constipation (26%)
    •Runny nose (22%)
    •Cough (19%)
    •Shortness of breath (19%)
    •"Pin and needles" feeling in arms or legs (15%)
    •Weakness (15%)

    CKD on dialysis:

    •Swelling (34%)
    •Not feeling well (28%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (21%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Shortness of breath (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (29-66%)
    •Vomiting (26-52%)
    •Diarrhea (21%)

  • Warnings of Hectorol vs. Sensipar

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Broken bones (fractures)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low calcium levels
    •Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding from the stomach)
    •Bone problems
    •Heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Hectorol vs. Sensipar

    Learn more about Hectorol
    Learn more about Cinacalcet

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