parathyroid hormone

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Pronunciation: PAR a THY roid HOR mone

Brand: Natpara

What is the most important information I should know about parathyroid hormone?

In animal studies, parathyroid hormone caused bone cancer. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.

What is parathyroid hormone?

Parathyroid hormone is a manmade form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the body.

Parathyroid hormone is used together with calcium and vitamin D to treat hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood) in people who also have low levels of parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone is usually given after calcium and vitamin D alone have been tried without success.

Parathyroid hormone is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of taking this medicine.

Parathyroid hormone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using parathyroid hormone?

In animal studies, parathyroid hormone caused bone cancer. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.

To make sure parathyroid hormone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • high levels of calcium in your blood;
  • high levels of alkaline phosphatase in your blood;
  • a history of bone cancer;
  • Paget's disease or other bone disorders; or
  • if you have ever had a radiation treatment.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether parathyroid hormone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Parathyroid hormone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use parathyroid hormone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Parathyroid hormone is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Parathyroid hormone should be given using only the cartridges and injection pen provided with the medicine. Do not use a syringe to inject parathyroid hormone.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Each Natpara cartridge contains enough medicine for 14 separate injections. Throw the cartridge away after 14 uses, even if there is still some medicine left in the cartridge.

Do not throw away the injection pen. It can be used for up to 2 years if you change the cartridge every 14 days.

Do not shake the cartridge or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

You should not stop using parathyroid hormone suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

While using parathyroid hormone, you may need frequent blood tests.

Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Protect from heat and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using parathyroid hormone?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Tell your doctor if you drink milk or eat dairy products (cheese, yogurt, sour cream) other foods high in calcium.

What are the possible side effects of parathyroid hormone?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • new or unusual pain that is ongoing;
  • swelling or tender lumps under your skin;
  • high calcium --nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, bone pain, confusion, and feeling tired or restless; or
  • low calcium --numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Common side effects may include:

  • tingling, burning, or prickly feeling in your skin;
  • headache;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
  • joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect parathyroid hormone?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • alendronate (Fosamax);
  • digoxin; or
  • vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with parathyroid hormone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about parathyroid hormone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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