Uses
Parathyroid hormone injection is used along with calcium and vitamin D to treat low levels of calcium in the blood in people with certain types of hypoparathyroidism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone [PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood].) Parathyroid hormone injection should not be used to treat low levels of calcium in the blood in people whose condition can be controlled by calcium and vitamin D alone. Parathyroid hormone injection is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by causing the body to absorb more calcium into the blood.
Side Effects Of Parathyroid Hormone Injection
Parathyroid hormone injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- tingling, tickling, or burning feeling of the skin
- sense of numbness
- pain in the arms, legs, joints, stomach, or neck
- headache
- diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- symptoms of high blood calcium: nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness
- symptoms of low blood calcium: tingling of lips, tongue, fingers, and feet; twitching of face muscles; cramping of feet and hands; seizures; depression; or problems thinking or remembering
- Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using parathyroid hormone injection and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash, itching, hives, swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded, fast heartbeat
This injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using parathyroid hormone injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to parathyroid hormone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: alendronate (Fosamax), calcium supplements, digoxin (Lanoxin), and vitamin D. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using parathyroid hormone injection, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using parathyroid hormone injection.
Dosage Of Parathyroid Hormone Injection
Parathyroid hormone injection comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and injected subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually given once a day into your thigh. Use parathyroid hormone injection at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use parathyroid hormone injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You can inject it yourself or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Before you use parathyroid hormone injection yourself the first time, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to mix the medication properly and how to inject it. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about how to inject this medication.
Parathyroid hormone injection comes in a cartridge to be mixed in a separate mixing device and then placed in a pen injector. Do not transfer the medication from the cartridge to a syringe. After mixing, each medicine cartridge can be used for 14 doses. Throw away the cartridge 14 days after it was mixed even if it is not empty. Do not throw away the pen injector. It can be used for up to 2 years by changing the medication cartridge every 14 days.
Do not shake the medication. Do not use the medication if it has been shaken.
Always look at your injection before you inject it. It should be colorless. It is normal to see small particles in the liquid.
You should inject the medication into a different thigh each day.
Be sure you know what other supplies, such as needles, you will need to inject your medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what type of needles you will need to inject your medication. Never reuse needles and never share needles or pens. Always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually adjust your dose depending on how your body responds to the medication. Your doctor may also change your doses of calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medication.
Parathyroid hormone injection controls hypoparathyroidism but does not cure it. Continue to use parathyroid hormone injection even if you feel well. Do not stop using parathyroid hormone injections without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop using parathyroid hormone injections, you may develop severe low levels of calcium in the blood. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to parathyroid hormone injection.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
