Compare Renagel vs. Zemplar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats high parathyroid hormone levels.

Zemplar (paricalcitol) works well to lower parathyroid hormone levels in people with chronic kidney disease and is safe for people with high blood calcium levels, but can be more expensive than alternatives.

Upsides
No information currently available
  • Works well to lower parathyroid hormone levels.
  • Less likely to raise your blood calcium and phosphorus levels compared to other medicines in its class.
  • More convenient dosing than other medicines, like phosphate binders.
Downsides
No information currently available
  • Because Zemplar (paricalcitol) can affect your blood calcium and phosphorus levels, you may need more blood tests and doctor follow-up visits than alternative medicines.
  • Both the brand and generic forms of Zemplar (paricalcitol) can be more expensive compared to similar medicines.
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Used for
  • End stage renal disease - Hemodialysis - Hyperphosphatemia
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$654.63
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Lowest price
$35.85
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Renagel (Sevelamer Hydrochloride) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
31possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Viral infection
    7%
  • High blood pressure
    7%
  • Nausea
    6%
  • Swelling
    6%
  • Allergic reaction
    6%
  • Feeling of spinning
    5%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Joint inflammation
    5%
  • Dizziness
    5%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Low blood pressure
    5%
  • Stomach discomfort
    4%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Pain
    4%
  • Throat pain
    4%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Chest pain
    3%
  • Fungal infection
    3%
  • Stomach flu
    3%
  • Infection
    3%
  • Common cold symptoms
    3%
  • Urinary tract infection
    3%
  • Dehydration
    3%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Muscle spasms
    3%
  • Fainting
    3%
  • Depression
    3%
  • Cough
    3%
  • Itching
    3%
  • Skin ulcers
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
No information currently available
  • High blood calcium levels
    • Taking too much vitamin D
  • Interaction with digoxin
    • Taking digoxin
  • High aluminum levels
    • Aluminum-containing medicines
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Renagel (Sevelamer Hydrochloride)
Learn more about Zemplar (paricalcitol)