Etelcalcetide
Etelcalcetide is a calcimimetic agent used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with chronic kidney disease who are undergoing hemodialysis. It works by binding to and activating the calcium-sensing receptor on parathyroid cells, which reduces the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). This medication is administered intravenously at the end of dialysis sessions.
Etelcalcetide is a calcimimetic that lowers parathyroid hormone levels in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H05BX04
- RxNorm
- 1876119
- Generic
- Etelcalcetide
- Class
- atc-h05
- Brands
- Parsabiv
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and maternal calcium levels monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring, maternal calcium levels, and fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug based on importance of treatment to mother
monitor infant for hypocalcemia if continued
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment
no dose adjustment required based on age alone; start at recommended initial dose
monitor renal function and calcium levels as in general population
pediatric_age
children adolescentscontraindicated
not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
end stage renal diseaseno adjustment
specifically indicated for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism on hemodialysis; administer after hemodialysis session
monitor serum calcium and phosphorus levels regularly
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
routine monitoring of liver function and calcium levels
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
monitor liver function and calcium levels closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Calcimimetic agents that activate calcium-sensing receptors
Indication
Primary therapeutic indication
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv)
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis.
Etelcalcetide allosterically modulates the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) by binding to it and enhancing receptor activation by extracellular calcium, leading to decreased PTH secretion from parathyroid chief cells.
Administered intravenously at the end of dialysis sessions. May cause hypocalcemia; regular serum calcium monitoring is required. Contraindicated in patients with hypocalcemia. Common side effects may include muscle spasms, nausea, and paresthesia.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy