Treatment for renal osteodystrophy

Bone disease can be prevented or treated with:

• Phosphate binders
• Active vitamin D—taken by mouth or through a vein
• A drug called Sensipar® (cinacalcet hydrochloride)
• Surgery to remove most of the parathyroid glands

Binders, as you've learned, pull some of the extra phosphorus out of your blood.

Vitamin D drugs replace the calcitriol your kidneys no longer make. If your calcium or phosphorus levels are too high, you can't take vitamin D. Active vitamin D drugs for dialysis include Rocaltrol®, Hectorol®, and Zemplar®.

Sensipar works on the parathyroid gland to lower PTH levels and improve calcium and phosphorus levels. It is a pill that you take once a day.