Paricalcitol Drug Information
Generic name: PARICALCITOL
Vitamin D2 Analog [EPC] Vitamin D Analog [EPC]
Uses of Paricalcitol
Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4 Paricalcitol Capsules are indicated in
adults for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages 3 and 4. Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 Paricalcitol Capsules are indicated in adults for
the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with CKD Stage 5 in patients on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. Paricalcitol is a vitamin D analog indicated in adults for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 3 and 4. CKD Stage 5 in patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Dosage & Administration of Paricalcitol
| Less than or equal to 500 pg/mL | 1 mcg |
|---|---|
| More than 500 pg/mL | 2 mcg |
| * To be administered not more often than every other day | |
Side Effects of Paricalcitol
Clinical Trials Experience
CKD Stages 3 and 4 Adults The safety of Paricalcitol Capsules has been evaluated in three 24-week (approximately six-month), double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical studies involving 220 CKD Stages 3 and 4 patients. Six percent (6%) of Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients and 4% of placebo treated patients discontinued from clinical studies due to an adverse event. Adverse events occurring in the Paricalcitol Capsules group at a frequency of 2% or greater and more frequently than in the placebo group are presented in: Table 3. Table 3. Adverse Reactions by Body System Occurring in ≥ 2% of Subjects in the Paricalcitol Capsules-Treated Group of Three, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled CKD Stages 3 and 4 Studies Number (%) of Subjects Adverse Events a Paricalcitol Capsules (n = 107) Placebo (n =113) Overall 88 (82%) 86 (76%) Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Vertigo 5 (5%) 0 (0%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal Discomfort 4 (4%) 1 (1%) Constipation 4 (4%) 4 (4%) Diarrhea 7 (7%) 5 (4%) Nausea 6 (6%) 4 (4%) Vomiting 5 (5%) 5 (4%) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Chest Pain 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Edema 6 (6%) 5 (4%) Pain 4 (4%) 4 (4%) Immune System Disorders Hypersensitivity 6 (6%) 2 (2%) Infections and Infestations Fungal Infection 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Gastroenteritis 3 (3%) 3 (3%) Infection 3 (3%) 3 (3%) Sinusitis 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Urinary Tract Infection 3 3%) 1 (1%) Viral Infection 8 (7%) 8 (7%) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Dehydration Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Arthritis 5 (5%) 0 (0%) Back Pain 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Muscle Spasms 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 5 (5%) 5 (4%) Headache 5 (5%) 5 (4%) Syncope 3 (3%) 1 (1%) Psychiatric Disorders Depression 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 3 (3%) 2 (2%) Oropharyngeal Pain 4 (4%) 0 (0%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Pruritus 3 (3%) 3 (3%) Rash 4 (4%) 1 (1%) Skin Ulcer 3 (3%) 0 (0%) Vascular Disorders Hypertension 7 (7%) 4 (4%) Hypotension 5 (5%) 3 (3%) a.
Includes only events more common in the Paricalcitol treatment group. Additional Adverse Reactions The following additional adverse reactions, occurred in <2% of the Paricalcitol-treated adult patients in the above double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Gastrointestinal Disorders : Dry mouth Investigations : Hepatic enzyme abnormal Nervous System Disorders: Dysgeusia Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Urticaria Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules.
However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. CKD Stage 5 Adults The safety of Paricalcitol Capsules has been evaluated in one 12-week, double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical study involving 88 CKD Stage 5 patients. Sixty-one patients received Paricalcitol Capsules and 27 patients received placebo.
The proportion of patients who terminated prematurely from the study due to adverse events was 7% for Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients and 7% for placebo patients. Adverse events occurring in the Paricalcitol Capsules group at a frequency of 2% or greater and more frequently than in the placebo group are as follows: Table 4. Adverse Reactions by Body System Occurring in ≥ 2% of Subjects in the Paricalcitol Capsules-Treated Group, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled CKD Stage 5 Study Number (%) of Subjects Adverse Events a Paricalcitol Capsules (n = 61) Placebo (n =27) Overall 43 (70%) 19 (70%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Constipation 3 (5%) 0 (0%) Diarrhea 7 (11%) 3 (11%) Vomiting 4 (7%) 0 (0%) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 2 (3%) 0 (0%) Edema peripheral 2 (3%) 0 (0%) Infections and Infestations Nasopharyngitis 5 (8%) 2 (7%) Peritonitis 3 (5%) 0 (0%) Sinusitis 2 (3%) 0 (0%) Urinary Tract Infection 2 (3%) 0 0%) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Fluid overload 3 (5%) 0 (0%) Hypoglycemia 2 (3%) 0 (0%) Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 4 (7%) 0 ( 0%) Headache 2 (3%) 0 (0%) Psychiatric Disorders Anxiety 2 (3%) 0 (0%) Insomnia 3 (5%) 0 (0%) Renal and Urinary Disorders Renal failure Chronic 2 (3%) 0 (0%) a. Includes only events more common in the Paricalcitol treatment group.
Additional Adverse Reactions The following adverse reactions, occurred in <2% of the Paricalcitol Capsules- treated patients in the above double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastroesophageal reflux disease Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders : Decreased appetite, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia Reproductive System and Breast Disorders : Breast tenderness Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders : Acne Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Postmarketing Experience
The following additional adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of Paricalcitol Capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a casual relationship to drug exposure. Immune System Disorders: Angioedema (including laryngeal edema) Investigations: Blood creatinine increased The most common adverse reactions (> 5% and more frequent than placebo) include diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, vomiting, hypertension, hypersensitity, nausea, and edema.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Marksans at 1-877-376-4271 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
Warnings & Cautions for Paricalcitol
Hypercalcemia Progressive hypercalcemia due to overdosage of vitamin D and its metabolites
may be so severe as to require emergency attention . Acute hypercalcemia may exacerbate tendencies for cardiac arrhythmias and seizures and may potentiate the action of digitalis. Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to generalized vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Concomitant administration of high doses of calcium-containing preparations or thiazide diueretics with Paricalcitol may increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
High intake of calcium and phosphate concomitant with vitamin D compounds may lead to serum abnormalities requiring more frequent patient monitoring and individualized dose titration. Patients also should be informed about the symptoms of elevated calcium, which include feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss. Prescription-based doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during Paricalcitol treatment to avoid hypercalcemia.
Digitalis Toxicity Digitalis toxicity is potentiated by hypercalcemia of any cause. Use
caution when Paricalcitol Capsules are prescribed concomitantly with digitalis compounds.
Laboratory Tests During the initial dosing or following any dose adjustment of
medication, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and serum or plasma iPTH should be monitored at least every two weeks for 3 months, then monthly for 3 months, and every 3 months thereafter. In pre-dialysis patients, Paricalcitol Capsules may increase serum creatinine and therefore decrease the estimated GFR (eGFR). Similar effects have also been seen with calcitriol.
Aluminum Overload and Toxicity Aluminum-containing preparations (e.g., antacids, phosphate binders) should not
be administered chronically with Paricalcitol, as increased blood levels of aluminum and aluminum bone toxicity may occur. Hypercalcemia: Excessive administration of Paricalcitol Capsules can cause over suppression of PTH, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, and adynamic bone disease. Prescription-based doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during Paricalcitol treatment.
Digitalis toxicity: Potentiated by hypercalcemia of any cause. Use caution when Paricalcitol Capsules are prescribed concomitantly with digitalis compounds. Laboratory tests: Monitor serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and serum or plasma iPTH during initial dosing or following any dose adjustment.
Paricalcitol Capsules may increase serum creatinine and therefore decrease the estimated GFR (eGFR). Aluminum overload and toxicity: Avoid excessive use of aluminum containing compounds.
Drug Interactions with Paricalcitol
Table 5 shows the clinically significant drug interactions with Paricalcitol capsules. Table 5: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Paricalcitol CYP3A Inhibitors Clinical Impact Paricalcitol is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Hence, exposure of paricalcitol will increase upon coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors such as but not limited to: boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole. Intervention Dose adjustment of Paricalcitol capsules may be necessary.
Monitor closely for iPTH and serum calcium concentrations, if a patient initiates or discontinues therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Cholestyramine Clinical Impact Drugs that impair intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as cholestyramine, may interfere with the absorption of paricalcitol. Intervention Recommend to take Paricalcitol capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine (or at as great an interval as possible) to avoid impeding absorption of paricalcitol.
Mineral Oil Clinical Impact Mineral oil or other substances that may affect absorption of fat may influence the absorption of paricalcitol. Intervention Recommend to take Paricalcitol capsules at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking mineral oil (or at as great an interval as possible) to avoid affecting absorption of paricalcitol. Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) will increase the exposure of paricalcitol.
Use with caution. Cholestyramine, Mineral Oil: Intestinal absorption of paricalcitol may be reduced if administered simultaneously with cholestyramine or mineral oil. Take paricalcitol capsules at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine or mineral oil.
Pregnancy Safety for Paricalcitol
Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data with Paricalcitol capsules in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug- associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with chronic kidney disease in pregnancy . In animal reproduction studies, slightly increased embryofetal loss was observed in pregnant rats and rabbits administered paricalcitol intravenously during the period of organogenesis at doses 2 and 0.5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Adverse reproductive outcomes were observed at doses that caused maternal toxicity . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Chronic kidney disease in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for hypertension, spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, and preeclampsia. Chronic kidney disease increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, polyhydramnios, still birth, and low birth weight.
Data Animal Data Pregnant rats and rabbits were treated with paricalcitol by once-daily intravenous (IV) injection during the period of organogenesis (in rats, from gestation day (GD) 6 to 17; in rabbits, from GD 6 to 18). Rats were dosed at 0, 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mcg/kg/day and rabbits at 0, 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 mcg/kg/day, representing up to 2 or 0.5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.24 mcg/kg, based on body surface area (mg/m 2 ). Slightly decreased fetal viability was observed in both studies at the highest doses representing 2 and 0.5 times, respectively, the MRHD in the presence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight and food consumption). Pregnant rats were administered paricalcitol by IV injection three times per week at doses of 0, 0.3, 3.0 or 20.0 mcg/kg/day throughout gestation, parturition and lactation (GD 6 to lactation day (LD) 20) representing exposures up to 13 times the MHRD. A small increase in stillbirths and pup deaths from parturition to LD 4 were observed at the high dose when compared to the control group (9.2% versus 3.3% in controls) at 13 times the MRHD, which occurred at a maternally toxic dose known to cause hypercalcemia in rats. Surviving pups were not adversely affected; body weight gains, developmental landmarks, reflex ontogeny, learning indices, and locomotor activity were all within normal parameters. F1 reproductive capacity was unaffected.
Pediatric Use of Paricalcitol
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of Paricalcitol Capsules in pediatric patients under the age of 10 years have not been established. Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Contraindications for Paricalcitol
Paricalcitol Capsules should not be given to patients with evidence of hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity. Evidence of hypercalcemia. Evidence of vitamin D toxicity.
Overdosage Information for Paricalcitol
Excessive administration of Paricalcitol Capsules can cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia, and over suppression of PTH. Treatment of Overdosage The treatment of acute overdosage of Paricalcitol Capsules should consist of general supportive measures. If drug ingestion is discovered within a relatively short time, induction of emesis or gastric lavage may be of benefit in preventing further absorption. If the drug has passed through the stomach, the administration of mineral oil may promote its fecal elimination.
Serial serum electrolyte determinations (especially calcium), rate of urinary calcium excretion, and assessment of electrocardiographic abnormalities due to hypercalcemia should be obtained. Such monitoring is critical in patients receiving digitalis. Discontinuation of supplemental calcium and institution of a low-calcium diet are also indicated in accidental overdosage.
Due to the relatively short duration of the pharmacological action of paricalcitol, further measures are probably unnecessary. If persistent and markedly elevated serum calcium levels occur, there are a variety of therapeutic alternatives that may be considered depending on the patient's underlying condition. These include the use of drugs such as phosphates and corticosteroids, as well as measures to induce an appropriate forced diuresis.
Paricalcitol is not significantly removed by dialysis.
Clinical Studies of Paricalcitol
Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4 Adults
The safety and efficacy of Paricalcitol Capsules were evaluated in three, 24-week, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter, Phase 3 Clinical studies in CKD Stages 3 and 4 patients. Two studies used an identical three times a week dosing design, and one study used a daily dosing design. A total of 107 patients received Paricalcitol Capsules and 113 patients received placebo.
The mean age of the patients was 63 years, 68% were male, 71% were Caucasian, and 26% were African-American. The average baseline iPTH was 274 pg/mL (range: 145-856 pg/mL). The average duration of CKD prior to study entry was 5.7 years. At study entry 22% were receiving calcium based phosphate binders and/or calcium supplements.
Baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were not measured. The initial dose of Paricalcitol Capsules was based on baseline iPTH. If iPTH was ≤ 500 pg/mL, Paricalcitol Capsules were administered 1 mcg daily or 2 mcg three times a week, not more than every other day. If iPTH was > 500 pg/mL, Paricalcitol Capsules were administered 2 mcg daily or 4 mcg three times a week, not more than every other day.
The dose was increased by 1 mcg daily or 2 mcg three times a week every 2 to 4 weeks until iPTH levels were reduced by at least 30% from baseline. The overall average weekly dose of Paricalcitol Capsules was 9.6 mcg/week in the daily regimen and 9.5 mcg/week in the three times a week regimen. In the clinical studies, doses were titrated for any of the following reasons: if iPTH fell to <60 pg/mL, or decreased > 60% from baseline, the dose was reduced or temporarily withheld; if iPTH decreased <30% from baseline and serum calcium was ≤10.3 mg/dL and serum phosphorus was ≤ 5.5 mg/dL, the dose was increased; and if iPTH decreased between 30 to 60% from baseline and serum calcium and phosphorus were ≤ 10.3 mg/dL and ≤ 5.5 mg/dL, respectively, the dose was maintained.
Additionally, if serum calcium was between 10.4 to 11.0 mg/dL, the dose was reduced irrespective of iPTH, and the dose was withheld if serum calcium was > 11.0 mg/dL. If serum phosphorus was >5.5 mg/dL, dietary counseling was provided, and phosphate binders could have been initiated or increased. If the elevation persisted, the Paricalcitol Capsules dose was decreased. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients and 82% of the placebo treated patients completed the 24-week treatment.
The primary efficacy endpoint of at least two consecutive ≥30% reductions from baseline iPTH was achieved by 91% of Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients and 13% of the placebo treated patients (p <0.001). The proportion of Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients achieving two consecutive ≥ 30% reductions was similar between the daily and the three times a week regimens (daily: 30/33, 91%; three times a week: 62/68, 91%). The incidence of hypercalcemia (defined as two consecutive serum calcium values > 10.5 mg/dL), and hyperphosphatemia in Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients was similar to placebo. There were no treatment related adverse events associated with hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia in the Paricalcitol Capsules group. No increases in urinary calcium or phosphorous were detected in Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients compared to placebo.
The pattern of change in the mean values for serum iPTH during the studies is shown in Figure 1 Figure 1. Mean Values for Serum iPTH Over Time in the Three Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3, CKD Stages 3 and 4 Studies Combined The mean changes from baseline to final treatment visit in serum iPTH, calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product (Ca x P), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase are shown in Table 7. Table 7. Mean Changes from Baseline to Final Treatment Visit in Serum iPTH, Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Calcium x Phosphorus Product In Three Combined Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3, CKD Stages 3 and 4 Studies Paricalcitol Capsules Placebo iPT H (pg/mL) n = 104 n = 110 Mean Baseline Value 266 279 Mean Change from Baseline (SE) -104 +35 Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase (mcg/L) n = 101 n = 107 Mean Baseline Value 17.1
Mean Final Treatment Value 9.2 17.4 Mean Change from Baseline (SE) -7.9
-
Calcium (mg/dL) n = 104 n = 110 Mean Baseline 9.3 9.4
Mean Final Treatment Value 9.5
Mean Change from Baseline (SE) +0.2 -0.1 Phosphorous (mg/dL) n = 104
n = 110 Mean Baseline 4.0
Mean Final Treatment Value 4.3 4.3 Mean Change from Baseline (SE) +0.3
+
Pediatric use information for patients 10 to 16 years of age is
approved for AbbVie Inc.’s Zemplar (Paricalcitol) capsules. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 Adults
The safety and efficacy of Paricalcitol Capsules were evaluated in a Phase 3, 12-week, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter study in patients with CKD Stage 5 on HD or PD. The study used a three times a week dosing design. A total of 61 patients received Paricalcitol Capsules and 27 patients received placebo. The mean age of the patients was 57 years, 67% were male, 50% were Caucasian, 45% were African-American, and 53% were diabetic.
The average baseline iPTH was 701 pg/mL (range: 216-1933 pg/mL). The average time since first dialysis across all subjects was 3.3 years. The initial dose of Paricalcitol Capsules was based on baseline iPTH/60. Subsequent dose adjustments were based on iPTH/60 as well as primary chemistry results that were measured once a week. Starting at Treatment Week 2, study drug was maintained, increased or decreased weekly based on the results of the previous week’s calculation of iPTH/60. Paricalcitol Capsules were administered three times a week, not more than every other day.
The proportion of patients achieving at least two consecutive weekly ≥ 30% reductions from baseline iPTH was 88% of Paricalcitol Capsules treated patients and 13% of the placebo treated patients. The proportion of patients achieving at least two consecutive weekly ≥ 30% reductions from baseline iPTH was similar for HD and PD patients. The incidence of hypercalcemia (defined as two consecutive serum calcium values > 10.5mg/dL) in patients treated with Paricalcitol Capsules was 6.6% as compared to 0% for patients given placebo.
In PD patients the incidence of hypercalcemia in patients treated with Paricalcitol Capsules was 21% as compared to 0% for patients given placebo. The patterns of change in the mean values for serum iPTH are shown in Figure 2. The rate of hypercalcemia with Paricalcitol Capsules may be reduced with a lower dosing regimen based on the iPTH/80 formula as shown by computer simulations. The hypercalcemia rate can be further predicted to decrease, if the treatment is initiated in only those with baseline serum calcium ≤ 9.5 mg/dL. Figure 2. Mean Values for Serum iPTH Over Time in a Phase 3, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled CKD Stage 5 Study graph
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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