Cinacalcet Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 19, 2024.

Applies to cinacalcet: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may lower the calcium in your blood. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your doctor right away: abdominal or stomach cramps, confusion, convulsions, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeats, mood or mental changes, muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face, numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet, shortness of breath, or tremors.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. Taking other medicines together with cinacalcet may require your doctor to change the dose of one of the medicines or cinacalcet.

Serious side effects of cinacalcet

Along with its needed effects, cinacalcet may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cinacalcet:

Other side effects of cinacalcet

Some side effects of cinacalcet may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cinacalcet: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (11.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Worsening heart failure, QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia secondary to hypocalcemia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (31%), vomiting (27%), diarrhea (21%), dyspepsia (13%), abdominal pain (10.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Upper abdominal pain, dyspepsia, anorexia, constipation^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Rash, angioedema, urticaria^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Access site infection^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Paresthesia (14 to 29%)
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukocytoclastic vasculitis with palpable purpura on both upper and lower extremities^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypocalcemia (11.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, dehydration^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough (11.7%), upper respiratory infection (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Reduced testosterone levels^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (15%), muscle spasms (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Limb pain, back pain, fracture, arthralgia, noncardiac chest pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Paresthesia (up to 29%), headache (11.5%), dizziness (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, seizures^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dialysis access site infection^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Cinacalcet side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer