NATPARA^® is a parathyroid hormone indicated as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism. Because of the potential risk of osteosarcoma, NATPARA is recommended only for patients who cannot be well-controlled on calcium supplements and active forms of vitamin D alone. NATPARA was not studied in patients with hypoparathyroidism caused by calcium-sensing receptor mutations. NATPARA was not studied in patients with acute post-surgical hypoparathyroidism.

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Hypoparathyroidism interferes with calcium homeostasis²

Hypoparathyroidism is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by absent or inappropriately low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Compromised endogenous PTH function can lead to hypocalcemia.^2-4

Calcium levels can be maintained through interactions that involve endogenous PTH and the bones, kidneys, intestines, and the active form of vitamin D²

Insufficient endogenous PTH can interfere with certain processes of these organs which can lead to^2,3:

Decreased intestinal calcium absorption due to a decrease in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form
Decreased renal reabsorption of calcium
Decreased bone turnover

References: 1. NATPARA [package insert]. Shire-NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2. Shoback D. Clinical Practice. Hypoparathyroidism. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(4):391-403. 3. Bilezikian JP, Khan A, Potts JT Jr, et al. Hypoparathyroidism in the adult: epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, target-organ involvement, treatment, and challenges for future research. J Bone Miner Res. 2011;26(10):2317-2337. 4. Fong J, Khan A. Hypocalcemia: updates in diagnosis and management for primary care. Can Fam Physician. 2012;58(2):158-162.

Hypoparathyroidism interferes with calcium homeostasis2

Hypoparathyroidism interferes with calcium homeostasis²