I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) => Topic started by: Stoday on March 23, 2010, 07:38:10 PM
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My PTH has risen to over 200 pg/ml. Neph has prescribed Cinacalcet, which, he says, should eliminate the need for parathyroidectomy surgery. I've not heard of this drug before. Anyone else taking it?
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I haven't heard of that one. Sorry. I get Zemplar.
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In theory, there are a group of drugs that can lower the PTH and prevent surgery. It's all mostly a synthetic Vit. D, I think. In reality, the drugs won't work for everyone, or won't work well enough, and sometimes the only cure is surgery.
I haven't heard of that one, either. I was on Hectorol, after the Sensipar started making me vomit.
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Never heard of it, I'm only on zemplar since that seems to be the only PTH med my body can handle.
Troy
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Hmm, they tried to lower Mikes PTH for months,[phosphate binders] to no avail. Possibly because it had been so high for so long before they did anything about it.
Fingers crossed this one works for you Stoday ;D
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According to a web search Cinacalcet = Sensipar. Same medication, different name.
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yep, it's Sensipar. This drug has done wonders for me. My PTH was at 70 or so and they were talking about cutting my throat (parathyroidectomy)... bang on sensipar 4x/week 30mg and I'm down to 28-30 and doing fine. Can't speak more highly about this drug for me. I've had NO side effects, my calcium has lowered as well(which is what it does) and my Phos is also perfect.
I hope it helps lower yours!
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I am confused, again. I can't find PTH on my path reports. What is it?
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I am confused, again. I can't find PTH on my path reports. What is it?
PTH measures your parathyroid hormone production. It's not a regular test that is run but is something your neph should definitely be keeping track of. Usually my unit does it every 3 months as a matter of course, but I usually get mine done more often. If you're concerned why not ask your neph or unit what your latest PTH was.
High PTH basically means that more Phos and Calcium are being sucked out of your bones, which down the track can lead to brittle bones, easy fratures, breaks etc.. and this is bad. So, to lower the PTH the usual course is either the operation to remove the parathyroid glands that up the PTH, or meds like Sensipar, which also lower it. Obviously taking a pill is a lot easier than having your throat cut :)
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Oh! Will check this out. Thanks.
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I am confused, again. I can't find PTH on my path reports. What is it?
PTH measures your parathyroid hormone production. It's not a regular test that is run but is something your neph should definitely be keeping track of. Usually my unit does it every 3 months as a matter of course, but I usually get mine done more often. If you're concerned why not ask your neph or unit what your latest PTH was.
High PTH basically means that more Phos and Calcium are being sucked out of your bones, which down the track can lead to brittle bones, easy fratures, breaks etc.. and this is bad. So, to lower the PTH the usual course is either the operation to remove the parathyroid glands that up the PTH, or meds like Sensipar, which also lower it. Obviously taking a pill is a lot easier than having your throat cut :)
Amazing. Sensipar.. another drug i don't think we have over here!
The op was no walk in the park thats for sure!
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Sensipar was only approved for use in Oz maybe in 2007 or 2008. I know I had to wait quite awhile before it was generally approved for use, and before hand I got a few scripts under special medical approval(and all that stuff). Haven't looked back since I got on it though. They sometimes claim I am a bit of a model patient.....
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Oh i see! :)
When Mike chipped his hips, apparently his PTH was the highest they had ever seen.
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I got a telephone call last week to say to stop taking the Cinacalcet immeadiatly and take Phoslo instead. It turned out that my calcium level had dropped like a stone. Now I'm having weekly blood tests.
Maybe the Cinacalcet wasn't too good for me. I've not had a bad day since I've stopped taking it.