Who should take Zemplar (paricalcitol)?

Zemplar (paricalcitol) is intended for adults with secondary hyperparathyroidism and stage 3, 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease. People with stage 3 kidney disease have a moderate reduction in kidney function, Those with stage 4 kidney disease have a severe reduction in kidney function. People with Stage 5 kidney disease suffer complete kidney failure.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition that causes increased parathyroid hormone levels, becomes more common as kidney disease becomes more advanced. About 33% of adults with Stage 3 kidney disease and 75% of those with stage 4 kidney disease, have parahyperthyroidism. Almost all adults with stage 5 chronic kidney disease have the condition.