Living With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT)

Know your parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels—work with your doctor to help fight SHPT

If you have been diagnosed with SHPT, it is important to work with your doctor to help manage this condition. Here are some tips:

Know your test results—Ask your doctor what your PTH level is. If your PTH level is above normal, talk to your doctor about a treatment plan.

Take all prescribed medications—If you have been diagnosed with SHPT associated with CKD Stage 3, 4, or 5, your doctor may ask you to take a type of active vitamin D, like Zemplar Capsules to help you reduce your PTH level.¹ Active vitamin D is not the same as vitamin D supplements that you would buy over the counter at your local store. Remember, taking action against SHPT is important.

To help manage your condition, your doctor should test your blood and adjust your Zemplar medication dose based on the test results.

Eat a healthy diet—Eating the right foods in the right amounts is very important. If you have SHPT your doctor may prescribe a low phosphorus diet. Ask your doctor about what kind of diet is best for you. Click on the information below to learn about high and low phosphorus foods.

Learn About Lower Phosphorus Foods (597KB)

Learn About Higher Phosphorus Foods (522KB)

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.

Remain positive—Like any long-term illness, chronic kidney disease can complicate your life. But realize that millions of others share the same challenges as you, each and every day. Remember to share your feelings with others. Accept the help and support of family and friends when you need it. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to help manage your condition.

Next: About Zemplar Capsules

Zemplar Capsules Safety Facts

Zemplar Capsules are a prescription medication.
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 (1-888-4PPA-NOW) for assistance.
You may also call Abbott at 1-877-ZEMPLAR (1-877-936-7527) for more information.

Reference:

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

Copyright ©2011 Abbott Laboratories. Abbott Park, Illinois, U.S.A.

130-654403

Use and Important Safety Information

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.

Important Safety Information¹

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:

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