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Calcimimetic (IV)

Etelcalcetide

Brand names: Parsabiv

Etelcalcetide is an intravenous calcimimetic used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds to and allosterically activates the calcium-sensing receptor on parathyroid cells, increasing the receptor's sensitivity to extracellular calcium and thereby lowering parathyroid hormone secretion.

Prescribing in practice

  • It commonly causes hypocalcaemia, which can be symptomatic and precipitate QT prolongation and seizures, so calcium must be corrected before and monitored during treatment.
  • It is administered intravenously at the end of haemodialysis and is intended for dialysis patients only.
  • Concurrent use with other agents that lower calcium or prolong the QT interval increases risk and warrants caution.

Monitoring

Monitor corrected serum calcium and parathyroid hormone regularly, with closer calcium monitoring after initiation or dose changes.

Counselling the patient

  • Report tingling, muscle cramps, spasms or palpitations, which may indicate low calcium.
  • This injection is given by the dialysis team at the end of your dialysis session.
  • Do not stop prescribed calcium or vitamin D supplements without advice.

Evidence & guidelines

Etelcalcetide is licensed for secondary hyperparathyroidism in haemodialysis patients, with trials demonstrating reductions in parathyroid hormone versus placebo.

Reference: NICE TA448; KDIGO CKD-MBD 2017 guidelines; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways