Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Cinacalcet as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Optimum serum calcium levels are very important for normal nerve functions, sensory awareness, mood, and behavior. By lowering serum calcium levels, Cinacalcet carries the risk of inducing/aggravating tingling and numbness in the extremities and around the mouth.
- Lowered serum calcium with Cinacalcet use can result in deterioration of mood and worsening of history of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, irritability, and reduced appetite & intake with consequent weight loss.
- Cinacalcet use can result in altered level of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and memory loss. Individuals with history of altered sensorium can be at increased risk to present with these symptoms following Cinacalcet use. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for altered levels of consciousness due to the medication.
