Parathyroid Hormone injection

What is this medicine?

PARATHYROID HORMONE (para THI roid) is used to increase calcium levels in patients with low amounts of parathyroid hormone.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin of the thigh. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine using the Q-Cliq pen. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

It is important that you put your used pen needles and cartridges in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bone pain

• numbness or tingling of the skin

• symptoms of high calcium levels: thirst, severe or continued nausea or vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, or difficulty in concentration

• symptoms of low calcium levels: muscle spasms or tremor, numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face, seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• joint pain

• mild nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• alendronate

• digoxin

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss more than 1 dose contact your health care provider for advice.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Unopened cartridges for the Q-Cliq pen will be stored in the refrigerator between 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F) before use. Do not freeze. Do not shake this medicine. Throw away any unused and unopened medicine after the expiration date on the label. Once prepared for use, the Q-Cliq pen with the medication cartridge will be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from heat and light. You can use the Q-Cliq pen for up to 14-days after mixing the medicine cartridge. Any unused medicine in the cartridge in the Q-Cliq dose pen should be discarded after 14 days.

Do not throw away the Q-Cliq pen. It can be re-used for up to 2 years, by changing the mixed medicine cartridges every 14 days.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone cancer

• bone problems, such as Paget's disease

• high levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood

• high levels of calcium in the blood

• recent or ongoing radiation therapy

• an unusual or allergic reaction parathyroid hormone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Do not stop taking except on your healthcare professional's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your healthcare professional will tell you how much medicine to take.

It is important to get the right amount of calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much of these supplements you should take. Do not discontinue or change your dose of these dietary supplements except when advised to do so by your health care provider. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Talk to your healthcare professional about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medicine.