Cinacalcet (Sensipar) Uses

Cinacalcet is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (too much parathyroid hormone or high PTH levels) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. Due to the risk of hypocalcemia, this drug is not used in patients with secondary HPT due to CKD who are not on dialysis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium levels in the body. High PTH levels can lead to problems with the bones, heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Cinacalcet is also used to treat hypercalcemia in patients with parathyroid cancer. 

In addition, it is used to treat primary hyperparathyroidism HPT in adult patients with hypercalcemia who cannot undergo surgical removal of the parathyroid glands (parathyroidectomy). 

There may be other uses of cinacalcet—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Cinacalcet (Sensipar) Mechanism of Action

Cinacalcet is a positive modulator of the calcium-sensing receptor. It works by mimicking the action of calcium in the body. This drug tells the body to make less parathyroid hormone and helps to lower blood calcium levels.

Cinacalcet (Sensipar) Doses

Cinacalcet comes in the form of 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg tablets. The dose is as follows:

• Secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD patients on dialysis: 30 mg cinacalcet by mouth once daily with food or after meals. The dose can be adjusted every 2-4 weeks up to 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, and 180 mg once daily, if needed, with a target intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of 150 to 300 pg/mL. 
• Parathyroid carcinoma and primary hyperparathyroidism: 30 mg cinacalcet by mouth twice daily with food or after meals. The dose can be adjusted every 2-4 weeks based on serum calcium levels up to 60 mg twice daily, 90 mg twice daily, and 90 mg 3-4 times daily, as needed.