Secondary hyperparathyroidism or hypocalcemia:

Indications for: ZEMPLAR INJECTION

Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis.

Adult Dosage:

Give as IV bolus inj during dialysis. Initially 0.04–0.1mcg/kg (2.8–7mcg) no more often than every other day; may increase in increments of 2–4mcg at 2–4 week intervals; max 0.24mcg/kg. Titrate based on iPTH levels (see full labeling).

Children Dosage:

<5yrs: not established. Give as IV bolus inj during dialysis. ≥5yrs: iPTH <500pg/mL: initially 0.04mcg/kg 3 times weekly (no more often than every other day). iPTH ≥500pg/mL: initially 0.08mcg/kg 3 times weekly. Titrate based on iPTH levels (see full labeling).

ZEMPLAR INJECTION Contraindications:

Vit. D toxicity. Hypercalcemia.

ZEMPLAR INJECTION Warnings/Precautions:

Risk of hypercalcemia. Monitor serum calcium, phosphorus, and iPTH at least every 2 weeks for 3 months during initiation or after dose adjustments, then monthly for 3 months, then every 3 months thereafter. IV: monitor serum calcium twice weekly and iPTH every 2–4 weeks after initiation or dose adjustment. If hypercalcemia occurs, reduce dose or withhold until normal. Severe hepatic impairment: not studied. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: not recommended.

ZEMPLAR INJECTION Classification:

Vit. D analog.

ZEMPLAR INJECTION Interactions:

Potentiated by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole); monitor and dose adjustment may be needed. Caps: cholestyramine or mineral oil may impair absorption; separate dosing by ≥1hr before or 4–6hrs after. Increased risk of hypercalcemia with concomitant calcium-containing products (at high doses), thiazide diuretics, other Vit. D compounds, phosphate; monitor and may need to adjust paricalcitol dose. Caution with concomitant digitalis compounds; increased toxicity. Concomitant aluminum-containing preparations (eg, antacids, phosphate binders); may cause aluminum bone toxicity.

Adverse Reactions:

Diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, vomiting, hypertension, hypersensitivity, nausea, edema; hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, suppression of PTH, adynamic bone disease.

Generic Drug Availability:

YES

How Supplied:

Caps—30; Single-dose vials (2mcg, 5mcg)—25; Multi-dose vials (5mcg)—25