Paricalcitol
Brand names: Zemplar, Paricalcitol, PARICALCITOL
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Excessive administration of vitamin D compounds. including Paricalcitol Capsules, can cause over suppression of PTH, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, and adynamic bone disease. 5.1 Hypercalcemia Progressive hypercalcemia due to overdosage of vitamin D and its metabolites may be so severe as to require emergency attention [ see Overdosage (10) ] . Acute hypercalcemia may exacerbate tendencies for cardiac arrhythmias and seizures and may potentiate the action of digitalis. Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to generalized vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Concomitant administration of high doses of calcium-containing preparations or thiazide diueretics with Paricalcitol may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. High intake of calcium and phosphate concomitant with vitamin D compounds may lead to serum abnormalities requiring more frequent patient monitoring and individualized dose titration. Patients also should be informed about the symptoms of elevated calcium, which include feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss. Prescription-based doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during Paricalcitol treatment to avoid hypercalcemia. 5.2 Digitalis Toxicity Digitalis toxicity is potentiated by hypercalcemia of any cause. Use caution when Paricalcitol Capsules are prescribed concomitantly with digitalis compounds. 5.3 Laboratory Tests During the initial dosing or following any dose adjustment of medication, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and serum or plasma iPTH should be monitored at least every two weeks for 3 months, then monthly for 3 months, and every 3 months thereafter. In pre-dialysis patients, Paricalcitol Capsules may increase serum creatinine and therefore decrease the estimated GFR (eGFR). Similar effects have also been seen with calcitriol. 5.4 Aluminum Overload and Toxicity Aluminum-containing preparations (e.g., antacids, phosphate binders) should not be administered chronically with Paricalcitol, as increased blood levels of aluminum and aluminum bone toxicity may occur. Hypercalcemia: Excessive administration of Paricalcitol Capsules can cause over suppression of PTH, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, and adynamic bone disease. Prescription-based doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during Paricalcitol treatment (5.1). Digitalis toxicity: Potentiated by hypercalcemia of any cause. Use caution when Paricalcitol Capsules are prescribed concomitantly with digitalis compounds (5.2). Laboratory tests: Monitor serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and serum or plasma iPTH during initial dosing or following any dose adjustment. Paricalcitol Capsules may increase serum creatinine and therefore decrease the estimated GFR (eGFR) (5.3). Aluminum overload and toxicity: Avoid excessive use of aluminum containing compounds (5.4).
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Paricalcitol Capsules should not be given to patients with evidence of hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Evidence of hypercalcemia (4). Evidence of vitamin D toxicity (4).
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Excessive administration of Paricalcitol Capsules can cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia, and over suppression of PTH [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Treatment of Overdosage The treatment of acute overdosage of Paricalcitol Capsules should consist of general supportive measures. If drug ingestion is discovered within a relatively short time, induction of emesis or gastric lavage may be of benefit in preventing further absorption. If the drug has passed through the stomach, the administration of mineral oil may promote its fecal elimination. Serial serum electrolyte determinations (especially calcium), rate of urinary calcium excretion, and assessment of electrocardiographic abnormalities due to hypercalcemia should be obtained. Such monitoring is critical in patients receiving digitalis. Discontinuation of supplemental calcium and institution of a low-calcium diet are also indicated in accidental overdosage. Due to the relatively short duration of the pharmacological action of paricalcitol, further measures are probably unnecessary. If persistent and markedly elevated serum calcium levels occur, there are a variety of therapeutic alternatives that may be considered depending on the patient's underlying condition. These include the use of drugs such as phosphates and corticosteroids, as well as measures to induce an appropriate forced diuresis. Paricalcitol is not significantly removed by dialysis.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 5 shows the clinically significant drug interactions with Paricalcitol capsules. Table 5: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Paricalcitol CYP3A Inhibitors Clinical Impact Paricalcitol is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Hence, exposure of paricalcitol will increase upon coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors such as but not limited to: boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole. Intervention Dose adjustment of Paricalcitol capsules may be necessary. Monitor closely for iPTH and serum calcium concentrations, if a patient initiates or discontinues therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Cholestyramine Clinical Impact Drugs that impair intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as cholestyramine, may interfere with the absorption of paricalcitol. Intervention Recommend to take Paricalcitol capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine (or at as great an interval as possible) to avoid impeding absorption of paricalcitol. Mineral Oil Clinical Impact Mineral oil or other substances that may affect absorption of fat may influence the absorption of paricalcitol. Intervention Recommend to take Paricalcitol capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking mineral oil (or at as great an interval as possible) to avoid affecting absorption of paricalcitol. Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) will increase the exposure of paricalcitol. Use with caution (7). Cholestyramine, Mineral Oil: Intestinal absorption of paricalcitol may be reduced if administered simultaneously with cholestyramine or mineral oil. Take paricalcitol capsules at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine or mineral oil (7).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS & USAGE 1.1 Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4 Paricalcitol Capsules are indicated in adults for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages 3 and 4. Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. 1.2 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 Paricalcitol Capsules are indicated in adults for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with CKD Stage 5 in patients on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. Paricalcitol is a vitamin D analog indicated in adults for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 3 and 4 (1.1). CKD Stage 5 in patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis (1.2).