Parathyroid hormone (Subcutaneous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 20, 2022.
In male and female rats, parathyroid hormone caused an increase in the incidence of osteosarcoma (a malignant bone tumor). The occurrence of osteosarcoma was dependent on parathyroid hormone dose and treatment duration. This effect was observed at parathyroid hormone exposure levels ranging from 3 to 71 times the exposure levels in humans receiving a 100 mcg dose of parathyroid hormone. These data could not exclude a risk to humans.Because of a potential risk of osteosarcoma, use parathyroid hormone only in patients who cannot be well-controlled on calcium and active forms of vitamin D alone and for whom the potential benefits are considered to outweigh this potential risk.Avoid use of parathyroid hormone in patients who are at increased baseline risk for osteosarcoma, such as patients with Paget’s disease of bone or unexplained elevations of alkaline phosphatase, pediatric and young adult patients with open epiphyses, patients with hereditary disorders predisposing to osteosarcoma or patients with a prior history of external beam or implant radiation therapy involving the skeleton.Because of the risk of osteosarcoma, parathyroid hormone is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the NATPARA REMS Program .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Natpara
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Parathyroid
Uses for parathyroid hormone
Parathyroid hormone injection is used together with calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) in patients with hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition that is caused when the parathyroid gland in the neck doesn't make enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Parathyroid hormone is only available through a restricted access program. Doctors who are enrolled in the restricted program can write a prescription for parathyroid hormone.
Before using parathyroid hormone
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For parathyroid hormone, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to parathyroid hormone or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of parathyroid hormone injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of parathyroid hormone injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving parathyroid hormone.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determi..
