Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Sensipar. This medicine helps treat high levels of calcium in the blood. It also helps treat a condition called 'secondary hyperparathyroidism' that is often caused by chronic kidney disease.

You should take Sensipar with food, or shortly after a meal. You should always swallow the tablet whole, and do not split it. You should take Sensipar exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is often taken once daily.

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. If these common effects happen to you, be sure to call your doctor. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, more serious effects could occur. With Sensipar, this includes low calcium. You should watch for symptoms of low calcium, and call your doctor if they occur. Symptoms of low calcium include numbness, tingling, muscle pain, and muscle cramps. Also, be sure to let your doctor know if you have had any seizures in the past.  To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. Also, your doctor will order blood tests to measure your levels.

Drug interactions can occur with this medicine. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines.

For best results with Sensipar, you should work closely with your doctor to understand how this medicine and your condition can affect your calcium levels.