Parathyroid Hormone
About Parathyroid Hormone
Parathyroid Hormone is an injectable medicine used to manage low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) in people with a condition called hypoparathyroidism. It is prescribed when calcium and active vitamin D supplements alone are not enough to control calcium levels. This medicine helps keep your calcium levels in a safe, stable range.
You will typically inject Parathyroid Hormone once daily at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels. Since it is an injection, you do not need to worry about taking it with or without food. Along with injecting this medicine, your doctor will likely recommend keeping a stable daily intake of calcium and vitamin D through your diet and supplements.
While taking Parathyroid Hormone, you may experience some common side effects like headaches, nausea, or mild tingling sensations. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as severe muscle spasms or signs of high calcium levels like extreme thirst and confusion.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have any history of bone diseases, kidney stones, or radiation therapy. Do not take this if you have Paget's disease of the bone, unexplained high levels of alkaline phosphatase in your blood, or if your bones are still growing.
This medicine can interact with certain heart medications like digoxin, potentially causing dangerous changes in your heart rhythm. Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to breastfeed or if you are an older adult, as your dosing and monitoring needs may change.
Uses of Parathyroid Hormone
Medicinal Benefits
Parathyroid Hormone helps maintain healthy calcium levels in people with chronic low calcium conditions. By supporting calcium balance, it helps reduce symptoms related to low calcium and supports long-term bone and muscle health.
Helps Maintain Stable Calcium Levels: By supporting normal calcium balance, Parathyroid Hormone helps reduce the risk of symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet.
- Supports Bone and Muscle Health: Adequate calcium levels help maintain healthy bones, normal muscle function, and proper nerve signalling.
- May Reduce the Need for Very High Supplement Doses: By helping maintain calcium levels more effectively, Parathyroid Hormone may reduce the need for very high doses of oral calcium and vitamin D supplements, making long-term management easier for some patients when used as prescribed.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor. Parathyroid Hormone should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) on your thigh, stomach, or upper arm.
- Rotate the injection site each time.
- Do not shake the medication. If the medication has been shaken, do not use it.
Storage
Side Effects of Parathyroid Hormone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Numbness, tingling, or a 'pins and needles' feeling (especially around the mouth, hands, or feet)
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint or muscle pain
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of too much calcium in the blood (severe nausea, vomiting, constipation, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, or feeling confused)
- Signs of too little calcium in the blood (severe muscle cramping, spasms, twitching, or an irregular heartbeat)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, itching, or trouble breathing)
- Persistent, unexplained bone pain
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the liquid before every injection; if it looks cloudy, coloured, or has floating particles, do not use it.
- Rotate your injection site between your left and right thighs daily to help protect your skin.
- Never share your injection pen or needles with anyone else to avoid spreading infections.
- Report any new, persistent, or worsening bone pain to your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking Parathyroid Hormone suddenly, as this can cause a rapid, severe drop in your blood calcium levels.
Drug Interactions
- Digoxin: Using Parathyroid Hormone alongside digoxin can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity, which may lead to serious irregular heartbeats if your calcium levels rise too high.
- Bisphosphonates (like alendronate): Taking these medicines may affect how your body responds to Parathyroid Hormone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol along with Parathyroid Hormone is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionParathyroid Hormone should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionBefore taking this medicine, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor. Your doctor may advise discontinuing the medication or breastfeeding based on your medical condition.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Parathyroid Hormone alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about using Parathyroid Hormone in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Parathyroid Hormone if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCare and close monitoring should be exercised when using this agent in patients with severe renal impairment or on dialysis. Inform your doctor before receiving the Parathyroid Hormone if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions.
Children
cautionThere was limited information about the usage of Parathyroid Hormone in paediatric patients. Please seek medical advice. Your doctor will only prescribe if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your intake of calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements highly consistent from day to day to prevent sudden swings in blood calcium levels.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your kidneys and lower the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Keep a daily log of the calcium and vitamin D supplements you take so you can review them easily with your doctor.
- Attend all scheduled laboratory appointments so your healthcare team can monitor your blood calcium, phosphorus, and kidney function.
Special Advise
- Monitor your calcium levels regularly during treatment with Parathyroid Hormone. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of low calcium levels, such as numbness or tingling around the mouth or muscle aches.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia is a curable condition that occurs when the calcium levels in your blood are abnormally low. Hypocalcemia can result from a variety of medical disorders. The most common symptoms of hypocalcemia are paresthesia, muscle spasms, cramps, tetany, circumoral numbness, and convulsions.
Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the body fails to produce enough parathyroid hormone [PTH; a natural substance required to regulate calcium levels in the blood].
FAQs
Parathyroid Hormone is used to treat low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) in people with hypoparathyroidism when calcium and vitamin D supplements alone are not sufficient. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding its use and monitoring.
Parathyroid Hormone contains Parathyroid hormone. It works by allowing the body to absorb more calcium into the blood.
Parathyroid hormone is secreted by four parathyroid glands, which are tiny glands in the neck positioned behind the thyroid gland.
The parathyroid glands generate parathyroid hormone, which is important in regulating calcium levels in the blood. Precise calcium levels are critical in the human body since even minor alterations can cause muscular and nerve issues.
Parathyroid Hormone therapy may increase the chances of cancer. Tell your doctor if you or a family member has or has ever had cancer. Your doctor will monitor the condition throughout the therapy and after some time.
No, Parathyroid Hormone is not a steroid. It contains a synthetic form of the parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism. It is primarily used to treat hypocalcaemia caused by hypoparathyroidism.
Parathyroid Hormone is sometimes prescribed for long-term use in osteoporosis to help build bone density. However, it can be determined by the doctor based on your medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s guidance regarding duration and monitoring.
Store unopened Parathyroid Hormone in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze it and protect it from direct light. After opening or preparation, follow the storage conditions and in-use period specified in the product information.
Parathyroid Hormone should not be used in people with an allergy to its ingredients or certain conditions that increase the risk of serious adverse effects. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bone cancer or Paget’s disease, unexplained high alkaline phosphatase levels, prior radiation involving the skeleton, or significant kidney problems. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Parathyroid Hormone.
The side effects of Parathyroid Hormone include headache, tingling, tickling, or burning feeling of the skin, a sense of numbness, pain in the arms, legs, joints, stomach, or neck, and diarrhoea. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
No, you should never stop taking Parathyroid Hormone suddenly. Stopping this medication abruptly can cause your blood calcium levels to drop dangerously low, leading to severe muscle spasms or heart issues. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor your calcium and phosphorus levels. This helps your doctor adjust your dose safely and ensures your calcium levels do not rise too high or fall too low. Talk to your doctor about your testing schedule.
No, Parathyroid Hormone is specifically designed to be injected into the thigh. You should alternate between your left and right thighs daily to protect your skin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need a demonstration on how to inject it properly.
A tingling feeling can be an early sign of low blood calcium. If you notice this, contact your doctor immediately to discuss adjusting your supplements or dose. Do not adjust your dose on your own.
It is not fully known if Parathyroid Hormone is safe for unborn babies or if it passes into breast milk. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.
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