Parsabiv: Uses, Dosage, Demographics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is a medication primarily used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. This medication binds to and activates the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in the parathyroid gland, leading to a reduction in the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus in the body. Uses Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid gland becomes overactive in response to low levels of calcium in the body due to CKD. This leads to an excessive production of PTH, which can cause bone disease and other complications. Parsabiv is used to help manage SHPT by reducing the levels of PTH in the blood. This medication is indicated for patients with CKD on hemodialysis who require treatment for SHPT. Dosage and Administration Parsabiv is given as a subcutaneous injection, which is administered by a healthcare professional prior to hemodialysis. The recommended starting dose of Parsabiv is 5 mg, which is given three times a week at the end of each hemodialysis session. The dose may be increased by 2.5 mg per administration every four weeks, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg per administration. Demographics Parsabiv is approved for use in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on hemodialysis and have secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). It is not recommended for use in patients with CKD who are not on hemodialysis or in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Side Effects Common side effects of Parsabiv include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle spasms. Other potential side effects include hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood), headache, and paresthesia (tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes). Patients may also experience allergic reactions, which include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy should be monitored closely, as Parsabiv may increase the risk of seizures. Interactions Parsabiv may interact with certain medications, such as other calcium-sensing receptor agonists, calcium supplements, and vitamin D supplements. Concomitant use of Parsabiv with these medications may increase the risk of hypocalcemia. Patients taking Parsabiv should be monitored for changes in calcium levels in the blood and may require adjustments to their medication regimen. Generic Options There are currently no generic versions of Parsabiv available on the market. The brand name medication is the only etelcalcetide product approved for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Conclusion Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) is a medication used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Its primary mechanism of action is to reduce the production of parathyroid hormone by activating the calcium-sensing receptor in the parathyroid gland. Patients taking Parsabiv may experience side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and muscle spasms, and may require adjustments to their medication regimen if they are taking certain supplements or medications that affect calcium levels in the blood. Currently, there are no generic versions of Parsabiv available on the market.