etelcalcetide hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Calcimimetic and anti-parathyroid agent
Licensed use
Secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with chronic kidney disease receiving haemodialysis
Administration
Intravenous injection given by a healthcare professional through the dialysis circuit
Key monitoring
Blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels
What is etelcalcetide hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for:
Treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with chronic kidney disease who receive haemodialysis.
How does etelcalcetide hydrochloride work?
Etelcalcetide activates calcium-sensing receptors on parathyroid gland cells, signalling them to release less parathyroid hormone. Calcium and phosphate concentrations may also fall.
How to take etelcalcetide hydrochloride
Etelcalcetide is not taken by mouth. A doctor or nurse injects it into the venous line of the dialysis circuit at the end of haemodialysis.
Food does not affect administration because it is given intravenously.
The solution must not be diluted or mixed with other medicines.
etelcalcetide hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low blood calcium, sometimes without symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Muscle spasms or muscle pain
- Headache
- Numbness or tingling
- Changes in potassium or phosphate levels
- Low blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptomatic or severe low calcium, including marked tingling, muscle cramps, confusion or seizures
- Abnormal heart rhythm associated with low calcium
- Worsening heart failure
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
etelcalcetide hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are absent or very limited. UK product information advises avoiding etelcalcetide during pregnancy as a precaution. Discuss pregnancy or pregnancy plans promptly with the renal and maternity teams.
etelcalcetide hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether etelcalcetide enters human milk, and a risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. A specialist should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the need for treatment.
etelcalcetide hydrochloride interactions
The main clinically important interactions involve treatments that also lower blood calcium.
Cinacalcet
Must not be used concurrently because the combination can cause severe hypocalcaemia. Any switch requires renal-team supervision and calcium assessment.
Denosumab
May add to the calcium-lowering effect, requiring particularly close calcium monitoring.
Other calcium-lowering medicines
Concurrent use can increase the risk of hypocalcaemia and may require additional biochemical monitoring.
Common questions about etelcalcetide hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is etelcalcetide hydrochloride the same as cinacalcet?
No. Both are calcimimetics, but etelcalcetide is administered intravenously during dialysis, whereas cinacalcet is taken by mouth. They must not be used together.
Can etelcalcetide hydrochloride be taken at home?
No. A healthcare professional administers it intravenously as part of haemodialysis care.
What are the warning signs of low calcium?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.