Parathyroid hormone is used together with vitamin D and calcium supplements to control hypocalcaemia (low calcium level in the blood) in individuals with hypoparathyroidism (low level of parathyroid hormones). It is used for those who do not respond well to vitamin D and calcium supplements alone.
Parathyroid hormone is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Parathyroid hormone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Inject on alternate thighs every day. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site.
This medicine is available as a cartridge which must be mixed using only the mixing device provided and administered using the pen delivery device. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Parathyroid hormone must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
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 Parathyroid hormone.
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.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Parathyroid hormone if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bone cancer or other cancer that has spread to your bones
- pseudohypoparathyroidism (a rare inherited disorder in which the body fails to respond to parathyroid hormone produced by the body)
- Paget's disease (a bone disorder which causes painful abnormal bone growth and deformity) or other bone diseases
- unexplained increase of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase
- current or history of radiation therapy to the bones
as Parathyroid hormone may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children or to young adults whose bones are still growing unless instructed by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or recent kidney stones
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Parathyroid hormone to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
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 tests (e.g. vitamin D levels, calcium levels in the blood or urine) may be done before treatment and 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 and symptoms of high or low calcium levels in the blood may also be needed.
Parathyroid hormone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, upper abdominal pain, pain in your arms or legs, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, redness or pain at the injection site, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, throat, and lips
- nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, tiredness or low energy, constipation, bone pain
- fits or seizures, depression, problems remembering or thinking, twitching of facial muscles, tingling sensation in the feet, lips, tongue, and fingers; muscle cramps or stiffening
- pain in any areas of the body that does not go away; new and unusual lumps or swelling under the skin that is tender to touch
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood) e.g. digoxin, digitoxin
- alendronic acid (medicine for osteoporosis [thinning and weakening of bones])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Parathyroid hormone.
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.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Protect from heat and light.
Do not freeze Parathyroid hormone otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Do not shake. If shaken, this medicine should not be used. Follow the specific instructions on how to properly mix this medicine with the provided mixing device.
The mixed solution should be clear and colourless. If you notice that the injection has changed colour, become cloudy, or contains visible particles, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Once mixed, store between 2-8°C for up to 14 days. It may also be stored below 25°C for up to 3 days during the 14-day use period after mixing.
Do not use this medicine for more than 14 days after it has been mixed. Throw away the mixed cartridge even if it is not empty.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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