About ZEMPLAR (paricalcitol) Capsules1

What is ZEMPLAR?

ZEMPLAR is a medication that doctors can prescribe to help manage secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in Stages 3, 4, and 5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

ZEMPLAR is an active form of vitamin D.1 Active vitamin D is not the same as vitamin D supplements that you can purchase over the counter at your local store.

How ZEMPLAR works

When kidney function declines, it can lead to a silent condition (with no symptoms) called secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). SHPT is very common in people in Stages 4 and 5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD). SHPT can also cause your parathyroid glands to become permanently enlarged.

ZEMPLAR works by telling the parathyroid glands to stop producing too much PTH.1

You and your doctor may decide prescription ZEMPLAR may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan. To help manage your condition, your doctor should test your blood and adjust your ZEMPLAR medication dose based on the test results.

Use

ZEMPLAR® (paricalcitol) Capsules are an active form of vitamin D used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased parathyroid hormone levels) in patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and in Stage 5 patients on dialysis.

  • To help lower your chance of getting symptoms of high calcium in your blood, your doctor should make sure the level of calcium in your blood is 9.5 mg/dL or lower before starting you on ZEMPLAR Capsules if you have Stage 5 kidney failure and are on dialysis.

Important Safety Facts About Zemplar

  • You should not start or continue to take ZEMPLAR if you have symptoms of high calcium or vitamin D, or if you have an allergy to ZEMPLAR or any of its ingredients.
  • Taking too much vitamin D or using it for a long time may cause high calcium levels, which can cause serious health problems and the need for emergency medical attention. Tell your doctor if you are having signs of high calcium levels, which include feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss.
  • Before and while taking ZEMPLAR, tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, aluminum-containing compounds, supplements, and herbal preparations, or any change in your medical condition.
Please see Important Safety Information Please see full Prescribing Information for Zemplar (paricalcitol) Capsules
and discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Next: Save Money on Zemplar Capsules

Reference:

  1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.
ZEMPLAR Capsules Safety Facts
Important Safety Facts about ZEMPLAR

You should not start or continue to take ZEMPLAR Capsules if you have symptoms of high calcium or vitamin D. Taking too much vitamin D or taking it for a long time can cause very high calcium or vitamin D levels which may cause serious health problems and the need for emergency medical care. Signs of high calcium include feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss. Tell your doctor if you are having any of these signs.

Before and while taking ZEMPLAR Capsules, tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, aluminum-containing compounds, supplements, and herbal preparations, or any change in your medical condition.

Your doctor should measure your blood levels of PTH, calcium, and phosphorus before starting you on and while you are taking ZEMPLAR Capsules. Your doctor may order the tests more often when you begin ZEMPLAR Capsules or if your dose is changed. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on the results of your blood tests.

It is important that you follow your ZEMPLAR medication plan exactly as your doctor has ordered and follow any instructions you were given about your diet and phosphorus restrictions.

The most common side effects with the use of ZEMPLAR Capsules include diarrhea, nausea, swelling, allergic reaction, viral infection, high blood pressure, vomiting, inflammation of the throat and nose, and dizziness.

This is the most important information to know about ZEMPLAR Capsules. For more information, talk with your health care provider.

Reference: 1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.

Do not take Zemplar Capsules if...1

You have symptoms of high calcium or vitamin D.

Reference: 1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.

See additional Important Safety Information and Package Insert for details.

Tell your doctor/healthcare provider...1
  • Tell your doctor if you are having signs of high calcium levels, which include feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss
  • Before and while taking ZEMPLAR, tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, aluminum-containing compounds, supplements, and herbal preparations, or any change in your medical condition

Reference: 1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.

See additional Important Safety Information and Package Insert for details.

What to expect1
  • You should have blood tests to measure your blood levels of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus while you are on ZEMPLAR
  • Your doctor may order the tests more often when you begin ZEMPLAR or if your dose is changed
  • Your doctor may adjust your dose based on the results of your blood tests

Reference: 1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.

See additional Important Safety Information and Package Insert for details.

Use1

ZEMPLAR® (paricalcitol) Capsules are an active form of vitamin D used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased parathyroid hormone levels) in patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and in Stage 5 patients on dialysis.

  • To help lower your chance of getting symptoms of high calcium in your blood, your doctor should make sure the level of calcium in your blood is 9.5 mg/dL or lower before starting you on ZEMPLAR Capsules if you have Stage 5 kidney failure and are on dialysis.

Reference: 1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.

See additional Important Safety Information and Package Insert for details.

Helpful resources

Zemplar Capsules are a prescription medication.1

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you cannot afford your medication, contact www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPANOW) for assistance.

You can also call 1-877-ZEMPLAR
(1-877-936-7527) for additional information and select Option 2 to find out whether other financial assistance options may be available.

Reference: 1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.

See additional Important Safety Information and Package Insert for details.









Use and Important Safety Information

ZEMPLAR Use1

ZEMPLAR® (paricalcitol) Capsules are an active form of vitamin D used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased parathyroid hormone levels) in patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and in Stage 5 patients on dialysis.

Important Safety Information1

This is the most important information to know about ZEMPLAR Capsules. For more information, talk with your health care provider.

Reference:

  1. Zemplar® (paricalcitol) Capsules [package insert]. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.