Zemplar Description

Zemplar or the generic called Paricalcitol is a synthetic form of vitamin D prescribed for people with chronic kidney failure who have secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). When your kidneys fail, they are unable to activate vitamin D so it is lost. Now calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood are uncontrolled which causes the parathyroid hormone to overcompensate and become unregulated. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

What Zemplar Does in Your Body

When taken as directed, Zemplar binds to the vitamin D receptors and calcium sensing receptors in order to decrease the parathyroid glands’ production of parathyroid hormones. This action helps to control calcium and phosphate levels in your body and regulates bone mineralization so your bones do not become weak. If you have low levels of calcium in your blood, calcium from your bones is reabsorbed to raise this level and result in a possible risk of a fracture.

Why Your Body Needs Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays several important roles in your body and if you do not get enough of it, you are unable to absorb calcium and phosphorous. You receive most of your vitamin D through the exposure of sunlight where it forms beneath your skin. The rest of vitamin D is obtained from certain foods you eat, such as eggs, oily fish, and fortified foods that have vitamin D added to it.

Our body cannot make its own vitamin D so we must get it through diet and sunlight which is then activated by our kidneys to calcitriol. If your kidneys are diseased, your vitamin D level drops off which triggers your parathyroid gland to produce more parathyroid hormones. This results in secondary hyperparathyroidism and a need for Zemplar.

Before You Take Zemplar

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or are breast-feeding before taking Zemplar as it must be decided if this medicine is safe for your condition. Provide your doctor with a complete history of other medical conditions you have and list all Rx drugs and OTC medication you are taking, remembering to include herbal, dietary, and vitamin supplements. Combining some drugs can cause a negative reaction or change how Zemplar will work for you.

Important Info About Zemplar

Zemplar is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You may be instructed to take regular blood tests to monitor your calcium and phosphorus levels. Talk to your doctor if you take antacids as these can increase levels of aluminum or magnesium in your body.

Possible Side Effects of Zemplar

• Headache
• Rash or itching
• Changes in taste
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Drugs Similar to Zemplar

• Sensipar
• Rocaltrol
• Calcijex