Uses

This medication is a man-made form of parathyroid hormone, a natural substance made in your body by the parathyroid glands. Parathyroid hormone helps to regulate and maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body. This medication is used along with calcium and vitamin D to help control low blood calcium due to low levels of parathyroid hormone.

How to use Natpara Cartridge

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using parathyroid hormone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Avoid areas of the skin that are red or irritated. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin.

Inject this medication under the skin of your thigh as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Change the injection site to the opposite leg each day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not stop using or change your dose of parathyroid hormone unless your doctor tells you to. Your calcium level could become too low or too high, causing serious side effects (see also Side Effects section). Your doctor will adjust your doses of vitamin D and calcium supplements while you are using this medication. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions for all your medications.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Skin tingling, tickling, or a burning feeling may occur. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

High blood calcium can occur, especially when you first start using this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, unusual thirst, frequent urination, or muscle weakness.

Low blood calcium can also occur, especially if you stop using or miss a dose of this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of low blood calcium, such as tingling of your lips/tongue/fingers/feet, twitching of face muscles, cramps in your feet/hands, seizures, depression, or having problems thinking or remembering.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Warnings

This medication has caused an increase in a type of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in rats. It is unknown if it will increase the chance of bone cancer in humans. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of Paget's disease or other bone disease, increase in a certain enzyme in your blood (alkaline phosphatase), personal/family history of bone cancer, or radiation treatment. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medication.

This medication should not be used by children and young adults whose bones are still growing, since they might have an increased risk of bone cancer.

To receive this medication in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the Natpara REMS Program. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before using man-made parathyroid hormone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D blood levels, urinary calcium) must be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Store in the refrigerator away from light and moisture. Do not freeze or shake. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the mixed product (cartridge) after 14 days. The device can be used for up to 2 years.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.