Administration of Etelcalcetide for the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with CKD-MBD on Hemodialysis: A Nephrology Nursing Perspective

Abstract

The number, volume, and timing of oral medications prescribed to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism can add to the burden of disease management for both the patient and the nurse. Administering intravenous (IV) medication when possible has the potential of reducing the burden of medication management. Data on the use of IV calcimimetic etelcalcetide has shown improvement in blood calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels. IV administration of etelcalcetide at the end of each hemodialysis session may reduce the pill burden for patients and has the potential to help improve disease management within an environment that supports person-centered care.

Keywords: calcimimetic; etelcalcetide; nephrology; nursing; secondary hyperparathyroidism.