Etelcalcetide is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (high level of parathyroid hormone due to overactivity of the parathyroid glands) in individuals with severe kidney disease who are undergoing haemodialysis (a procedure that helps to filter toxic substances from the blood).
Etelcalcetide injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) through the tube (bloodline) that connects you to the haemodialysis machine.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Etelcalcetide.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have a low level of calcium in the blood as Etelcalcetide may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine with cinacalcet (other medicine used to treat high levels of parathyroid hormones).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or family history of heart problems e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), heart rhythm disorder
- stomach problems e.g. stomach ulcer, severe vomiting
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine blood tests (e.g. blood calcium or parathyroid hormone levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of low calcium levels in the blood (e.g. numbness or tingling sensation of extremities, muscle cramps), stomach ulceration and worsening of heart condition may also be needed.
Etelcalcetide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, muscle pain, cramps or spasms
- fits or seizures
- fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, passing out
- new or worsening swelling in the ankles, legs or feet
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Etelcalcetide with cinacalcet (other medicine used to treat high levels of parathyroid hormone).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using denosumab (medicine used to treat osteoporosis [thinning and weakening of bones]).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may give you calcium and/or vitamin D supplements while being treated with Etelcalcetide.
It may be helpful to discuss with your doctor or dietitian about the diet plan that would best suit you.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Keep the vials in their original package to protect from light.
Once removed from the refrigerator, use the vial within 7 days (if stored in the original carton) or within 4 hours (if removed from the original carton then protected from direct sunlight). Do not expose the vial to temperatures >25°C.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
