Zemplar
(paricalcitol)
Treats high parathyroid hormone levels.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Renal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (paricalcitol)
Upsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Zemplar, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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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What to expect from Zemplar, on one page
Download Fact SheetZemplar (paricalcitol) is an active form of vitamin D. It stops your body from producing too much parathyroid hormone, which can be bad for your bones.
- Drug class: Renal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (paricalcitol)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$70.42
- Get free coupon
$76.14
What to expect when you take Zemplar (paricalcitol) for Chronic kidney disease
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling of spinning
- Dizziness
- Allergic reaction
- Swelling
Side effect rates for Zemplar (paricalcitol)
- Diarrhea7%7%4%4%
- Viral infection7%7%7%7%
- High blood pressure7%7%4%4%
- Nausea6%6%4%4%
- Swelling6%6%4%4%
- Allergic reaction6%6%2%2%
- Feeling of spinning5%5%
- Vomiting5%5%4%4%
- Joint inflammation5%5%
- Dizziness5%5%4%4%
- Headache5%5%4%4%
- Low blood pressure5%5%3%3%
- Stomach discomfort4%4%1%1%
- Constipation4%4%4%4%
- Pain4%4%4%4%
- Throat pain4%4%
- Rash4%4%1%1%
- Chest pain3%3%1%1%
- Fungal infection3%3%
- Stomach flu3%3%3%3%
- Infection3%3%3%3%
- Common cold symptoms3%3%1%1%
- Urinary tract infection3%3%1%1%
- Dehydration3%3%1%1%
- Back pain3%3%1%1%
- Muscle spasms3%3%
- Fainting3%3%1%1%
- Depression3%3%
- Cough3%3%2%2%
- Itching3%3%3%3%
- Skin ulcers3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zemplar.
People taking Zemplar felt side effect more
People taking Zemplar felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Zemplar (paricalcitol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking too much vitamin D
Taking too much vitamin D can cause dangerously high blood calcium levels. Avoid prescription-strength doses of vitamin D while on Zemplar (paricalcitol). Your doctor will order blood tests to check your calcium levels. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, frequent urination, thirst, or feel tired.
Common concerns from people taking Zemplar (paricalcitol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Knowing which foods to eat or avoid can help if you have secondary hyperparthyroidism. Your doctor may recommend a low phosphorus diet. Ask your doctor which type of diet is best for you.
- Take Zemplar (paricalcitol) with or without food.