Drugs

Question 1

What are calcimimetics?

Answer 1

Calcimimetics are a class of drugs that mimic the action of calcium on tissues. They are primarily used to treat conditions like hyperparathyroidism, which involves overactive parathyroid glands.

Question 2

How do calcimimetics work?

Answer 2

Calcimimetics work by increasing the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptors on the parathyroid glands to extracellular calcium. This helps to lower the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus in the body.

Question 3

What conditions are treated with calcimimetics?

Answer 3

> Primary hyperparathyroidism.

> Secondary hyperparathyroidism, often seen in patients with chronic kidney disease.

> Parathyroid carcinoma (a rare cancer of the parathyroid glands).

Question 4

What are the common side effects of calcimimetics?

Answer 4

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Muscle pain
Abdominal pain

Question 5

What are the names of some calcimimetic drugs?

Answer 5

Cinacalcet (Sensipar®): An oral medication
Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv®): An intravenous medication

Question 6

Bone disease that can arise as a complication of bisphosphonate use.

Answer 6

Osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Question 7

Doxorubicin trade name.

Answer 7

Adriamycin

Question 8

What effect may doxorubicin have on urine?

Answer 8

Red discolouration.

Question 9

Pembrolizumab mechanism of action.

Answer 9

PD-1 inhibition. Pembrolizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody.

Question 10

What is benzydamine (Difflam) used for in chemotherapy patients?

Answer 10

Management of chemotherapy-induced mucositis.

Question 11

What is a TIVAD?

Answer 11

A Totally Implanted Venous Access Device, also known as a Port-A-Cath is a small medical device used for patients who require frequent access to their bloodstream for treatments like chemotherapy, intravenous fluids, or parenteral nutrition.