provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Parsabiv

etelcalcetide-parsabiv
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperparathyroidism

Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is an injectable medication used to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with kidney problems who are on hemodialysis. It's convenient because it's given by a healthcare provider 3 times a week, at the end of dialysis sessions. But it can put you at risk for low calcium and cause side effects like muscle spasms and tingling in the hands and feet.

Last reviewed on May 16, 2022
basics-icon

What is Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)?

What is Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) used for?

How Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) works

Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is a calcimimetic, meaning it acts like calcium in your body. It activates a protein called the calcium-sensing receptor in your parathyroid glands (small pea-like structures in your neck). This lowers the amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced in your body, which in turn, lowers your blood calcium level.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsParsabiv
Drug ClassCalcimimetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)?

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

  • Muscle cramps, tingling sensation in hands and feet, and other symptoms of low calcium levels (64%)
  • Muscle spasms (12%)
  • Diarrhea (11%)
  • Nausea (11%)
  • Vomiting (9%)
  • Headache (8%)
  • Pins and needles feeling (6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms of high potassium levels
  • Muscle aches
  • Low appetite, bone pain, and other symptoms of low phosphorous levels

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously low blood calcium levels: muscle pain or spasms, seizures, irregular heart rhythm(s)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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

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

  • Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to lower your PTH levels and keep them in a normal range with regular dosing

Don't need to worry about giving this injection to yourself, given by a healthcare provider

Only need to get it three times a week at the end of dialysis

Dose can be adjusted based on your response

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a good option for those with certain other health conditions (e.g. heart failure, stomach inflammation)

Can cause dangerously low calcium levels if taken with other medications that lower calcium

Can only be given to people with kidney problems on dialysis

Not recommended in breastfeeding females because it might be present in breastmilk

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)

pharmacist
  • If your provider is switching you from cinacalcet (Sensipar) (another medication that lowers PTH) to Parsabiv (etelcalcetide), you must stop cinacalcet (Sensipar) at least a week before getting Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) injections. Your provider will check your calcium levels closely and often to make sure your calcium level doesn't get dangerously low.

    • Signs of low calcium levels include tingling, muscle aches, muscle spasms (twitching), and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your provider.

      • Keep up with your weekly and/or monthly labs that your provider orders for you so that they can keep a close eye on your blood calcium and PTH levels.

        • It's unknown if Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so speak to your provider about the risks and benefits if you're planning to become pregnant or if you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)

          Is Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) only for people on dialysis?
          Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is only approved for people who are on dialysis and have high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in their body caused by kidney problems. This medication wasn't studied in people not on dialysis or with high levels of PTH caused by other conditions, so it isn't known if it works well in these people. Talk with your provider if you want to know whether Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is a good option for you.
          Can I get Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) if I miss my dialysis session?
          No, Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) should only be given at the end of your dialysis treatment. If you missed your dialysis session, your provider will just give you the next dose at the end of your next dialysis treatment. If you've missed dialysis or doses of this medication for more than 2 weeks, your provider might need to adjust your dose if you choose to start it back up again.
          Can I give Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) to myself at home?
          No. Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) should only be given by your healthcare provider directly into the dialysis machine at your treatment center.
          Why do I have to be concerned about having high parathyroid hormone levels?
          Parathyroid hormone (PTH) controls the calcium levels in your blood. Calcium is a mineral that's important in keeping your bones strong and also in making sure your nerves, heart, and muscles to work properly. If your body's PTH levels are too high, it can lead to osteoporosis (bone problems), kidney problems, or heart problems.
          Can I take cinacalcet (Sensipar) while getting Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)?
          Taking Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) together with another medication that lowers calcium levels can cause severe, life-threatening low calcium levels. Your provider might have you stop cinacalcet (Sensipar) a week before getting Parsabiv (etelcalcetide).
          GoodRxEducationalIcon

          How to save using GoodRx

          Compare Prices
          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
          Select your free coupon
          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
          Show coupon to your pharmacist
          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
          Get free couponLearn more
          warings-icon

          What are the risks and warnings for Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)?

          Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) 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

          Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels)

          Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) lowers calcium levels in your blood. This can be especially dangerous if you're taking other medications that also lower your calcium levels. Your provider will monitor your calcium levels during treatment with Parsabiv (etelcalcetide). You might need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements while you're receiving Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) to keep your calcium at a normal level. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of low calcium levels, such as confusion, memory loss, muscle spasms or cramps, numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face, depression, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), seizures, and irregular heartbeat.

          risk-warning

          Worsening heart failure

          • Risk factors: History of heart failure

            If you have heart failure, taking Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) can make your condition worse. Make sure to tell your provider about your full medical history. You might need extra close monitoring if you have heart failure and are receiving Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) injections. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling in your legs and feet, and feeling extremely tired.

            risk-warning

            Upper stomach bleed

            • *Risk factors: Gastritis | Esophagitis | Stomach ulcers | Recent history of severe vomiting *

              A couple of people who took Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) during clinical trials reported stomach bleeds. But it's hard to say if the bleeds were caused by this medication or other problems. You might be at higher risk for bleeds if you have conditions such as stomach ulcers, stomach inflammation, or severe vomiting. Get medical help right away if you experience severe nausea or vomiting, black or tarry stool, stomach cramps, dizziness, or paleness, because these could be a sign of an upper stomach bleed.

              risk-warning

              Bone problems

              If your PTH levels drop too low after treatment with Parsabiv (etelcalcetide), you might be at risk for bone problem. Make sure to get your labs checked regularly so that your provider can monitor your PTH levels. Your provider might need to lower your dose of Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) or stop the injections altogether if your PTH levels drop below the normal level.

              dosage

              Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)

              Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is usually given in a healthcare setting or dialysis unit by a healthcare provider. Your provider will make sure you get this medication at the correct dose and time.

              The typical starting dose is 5 mg given by injection into your vein (IV) 3 times a week at the end of each hemodialysis treatment. The typical maintenance dose can range from 2.5 mg to 15 mg injected IV 3 times a week, depending on your PTH and calcium levels.

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Parsabiv (etelcalcetide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)
              Used for:
              Used for:
              $13.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • High calcium levels from:

              $14.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

              Get savings updates for Parsabiv (etelcalcetide)

              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

              By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

              Browse medications

              View All

              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.