Zemplar for PTH 2000+

[matrix]

Hello,
my sister in law is on dialysis since 2 years and soon after starting her PTH did go up big time. She then had parathyroid surgery to remove two glands, but that didn't help much. Now her PTH is 2000+ and the doctor have prescribed Zemplar (which as you know it's pretty expensive and not easy to find here ). I wanted to ask if anyone has experience using zemplar (or another drug) with a PTH level 2000+? Is it useful?

Thanx

[amanda100wilson]

Sensipar (generic name cincalet) is another medication that works in a different way.  However, it is also very expensive.  When she had her op. it is common practice to leave small parts behind so that it isn't necessary to take oral supplements of PTH.  Over time, when there are high phophate levels, these remaining pieces can grow and then produce too much hormone again.  Maybe she needs to get some of the overgrowth removed again.  It would then be necessary to control phosphate intake and take medication to prevent re-occurence.

[matrix]

Thank you Amanda. A second operation for the parathyroid is in the agenda also, but I wanted to know if Zemplar (or Sensipar) can help with such a high level of PTH...

[amanda100wilson]

Depends on the dose and how big the glands are, although it should lower the PTH but not sufficiently.

[adairpete]

I wsd on zemplar at first but after a year or so was switched to calcitriol. Doc said zemplar wasm't enough andd my pth wasn't nearly that high.  But I still have all the thyroid glands so not sure how that would affect things but I'm sure it would.