I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Stoday on April 23, 2010, 05:30:03 PM

Title: Cinacalcet
Post by: Stoday on April 23, 2010, 05:30:03 PM

Last month I was started on 30mg Cinacalcet a day. My PTH had gone over 200 nanograms/liter; I was told that the Cinacalcet would avoid my having to have a parathyroidectomy. On Monday I took a blood test ready for my monthly consultation next Tuesday.

Today I got a telephone call from the hospital, who had the results of my blood test 4 days ago. I must stop taking the Cinacalcet immediately. I must pick up some "calcium tablets" from the hospital on Saturday morning and take 3 a day. Get to the hospital early for my appointment on Tuesday so there was enough time for an extra blood test.

Anyone got any idea what's going on? I couldn't start a discussion on the phone so I'll have to wait until Tuesday to talk it over with my neph. Nevertheless, I'd like to be forewarned so that I'm prepared with questions.

Title: Re: Cinacalcet
Post by: monrein on April 23, 2010, 06:03:32 PM

No personal experience with any of this Stoday but I found this link that might be helpful.    http://wiki.medpedia.com/Cinacalcet

Title: Re: Cinacalcet
Post by: Stoday on April 24, 2010, 04:22:38 AM

Got my "calcium tablets" this morning. They turned out to be Calcuim Acetate, a phosphate binder I see.

Title: Re: Cinacalcet
Post by: RichardMEL on April 24, 2010, 06:56:45 AM

Sensipar(Cinacalcet) lowers calcium levels as it is also used to treat high blood caclium levels.

When I've used it I have noticed a lowering of my calcium levels, but nothing that drastic - you must have had a very serious lowering of your Calcium levels. What dose were you on? 30mg is the standard initial dose. I can understand their alarm - low calcium levels are just as bad as high ones.

I hope you can get sorted out and still avoid that parathyroidectemy!