Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic medication used to help regulate calcium levels in the body. It works by increasing the sensitivity of calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid glands, which reduces the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and lowers elevated blood calcium levels.
Although widely used in human medicine, Cinacalcet is prescribed off-label in veterinary medicine, primarily for dogs with conditions affecting calcium balance.
Cinacalcet hydrochloride
Cinacalcet is commonly prescribed for:
Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs
Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels)
Secondary hyperparathyroidism (e.g., associated with chronic kidney disease)
Cases where surgical removal of the parathyroid gland is not possible or not preferred
Cinacalcet mimics the action of calcium in the body by:
Activating calcium-sensing receptors
Suppressing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion
Reducing calcium release into the bloodstream
This helps restore more normal calcium levels and reduces complications associated with hypercalcemia.
Helps lower high calcium levels safely and effectively
Non-surgical option for managing parathyroid disease
Useful for long-term management of chronic conditions
Can improve clinical signs such as:
Increased thirst and urination
Lethargy
Weakness
Dogs diagnosed with:
Hyperparathyroidism
Persistent hypercalcemia
⚠️ Use in cats and other animals is less common and should be guided by a veterinarian.
Dosage is determined by your veterinarian based on your pet’s condition and weight
Typically given orally once or twice daily
Should be administered with food to improve absorption
⚠️ Regular blood tests are required to monitor calcium levels and adjust dosing.
Prescription-only medication
Must be used under veterinary supervision
Monitoring of calcium levels is essential
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cinacalcet is used to treat high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), most commonly caused by primary hyperparathyroidism.
Yes, when prescribed by a veterinarian and properly monitored. Regular blood tests are required to ensure safe calcium levels.
In some cases, yes. It is often used when surgery is not an option or is declined by the owner.
It can start lowering calcium levels within days to weeks, depending on the condition and dosage.
Yes, routine monitoring of calcium and kidney parameters is essential.
Yes, it is commonly used for chronic management of hypercalcemia.
This can cause hypocalcemia, which may lead to weakness or tremors. Your vet will adjust the dose if needed.
It is used off-label, meaning it is not specifically registered for animals but is prescribed by vets when appropriate.
There is limited evidence in cats. Use only under strict veterinary guidance.
Yes, giving it with food improves absorption and reduces stomach upset.
Common causes include:
Hyperparathyroidism
Cancer
Kidney disease
No, it manages the condition but does not cure it. Surgery may still be curative.
Yes, options include:
Surgery
Fluid therapy
Other medications depending on the cause
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
No, always consult your vet before stopping treatment.
It can be relatively costly, especially for long-term use, depending on dosage.
Yes, in some cases it may be compounded for easier dosing.
It may be used in pets with kidney disease, but monitoring is essential.
Improvement is confirmed through blood tests showing reduced calcium levels.
You can purchase Cinacalcet conveniently from Discount Pet Meds, with a valid veterinary prescription.
Cinacalcet is available at Discount Pet Meds, your trusted online pharmacy for prescription pet medications in Australia. We offer competitive pricing, fast delivery, and expert support for your pet’s healthcare needs.
Prescription medicine: This is a prescription medicine. Please ensure that you have read the "How to Order" page before ordering this item. Australian legislation prohibits the advertisement of prescription drugs to consumers, therefore we are unable to display any images of the packaging or provide you with more information regarding this prescription medicine.
Our prescription medicines: All prescription medicines on the Discount Pet Med site are purchased through Veterinary Wholesalers the same as those used by your Vet. All of our products are APVMA approved and identical to those used by your Veterinary Surgeon.
Product images: Australian legislation prohibits the advertisement of prescription drugs to consumers, therefore we are unable to display any images of the packaging or provide you with more information regarding this prescription medicine.
Please call or email us if you have any queries about any of the products on our site.
How much does shipping cost?
Your delivery cost starts from $6.95. This depends on the weight of your order, delivery address and delivery method (express vs standard). The shipping cost calculator will display the total cost for delivery at the checkout. We use live quote system powered by Australia Post; this guarantees you pay the lowest shipping fee.
How do I qualify for Free Delivery?
Discount Pet Meds offers Free Standard Shipping on orders over $149 Australia wide for parcels up to 500g. Orders over $149 and over 500g will receive a discount of $6.95 on total shipping cost which will is automatically applied during checkout.
Which shipping should I select?
Discount Pet Meds uses Australia Post as their courier partner, with two shipping options to select from at checkout:
Express Post the fastest choice
Standard Post the most economical (normally 2 days behind express post)
Please note: Australia Post has a weight limit of 22kg per parcel. If your order weighs over 22Kgs we recommend placing multiple orders or contact us to arrange for a courier
How long will it take to process my order?
Discount Pet Meds guarantee same day dispatch if your order is in-stock and has been placed before 11am weekday. In- stock items ordered after 11am, will be dispatched next business day.
Compounding Meds: Please allow extra 2 business days (eye drops: 5 business days)
How long will it take to receive my parcel?
In addition to processing and dispatch time at the warehouse (24-48 hrs), Delivery time will depend on where you are, in relation to our warehouse as we are based in Carlingford, Sydney, NSW.
The following are estimated delivery times once your order has been fulfilled and left our warehouse. These are only estimates and are dependent on mail services in your area.
Standard Post
Local/Sydney area: 1-2 business days
New South Wales: 2-3 business days
Brisbane: 2-3 business days
Melbourne: 2-3 business days
Adelaide: 3-5 business days
Perth: 3-5 business days
Queensland: 3-7 business days
Victoria: 3-7 business days
South Australia: 5-10 business days
Tasmania: 5-10 business days
Western Australia: 5-10 business days
Northern Territory: 5-10 business days
Express Post
Sydney area: next day delivery
Other Metro areas and Major cities: 1-3 business days
Rural areas: please allow up to 5 business days.
Do I need to stay home to receive my parcel?
All parcels will be delivered to the provided address and will require a signature on receipt, It is recommended to provide a work address for delivery if no one is home during business hours. If no one home, a card will be left detailing the nearest Australia Post outlet where the parcel can be collected during normal business hours.
Authority to Leave (ATL): Although we do not recommend leaving orders unattended when not home to accept delivery, you may request this service with any delivery. You may do this by placing a brief note, such as Please leave order if not home', in the order comments section found on our checkout page.
Australia Post (Safe Drop): Tracking notifications now provide you the possibility of Safe Drop where the order will be left in the Safe Drop location specified unless, in the judgement of the carrier, it is exposed to passers-by or the weather, in which the parcel will be carded for a Post Office collection
What if my order got delayed, lost, stolen or damaged?
Shipping insurance will allow you to be compensated in case of lost, damaged, or delayed delivery. If shipping insurance is not chosen, we will not be able to offer any further assistance if your order is lost or subsequently goes missing after it has been deemed delivered by the carrier. The associated risk in leaving parcels unattended is borne by the customer.
Refrigerated items: when you purchace a cold chain product, you accept the rare chance that goods will not be delivered in an ideal condition and that no compensation will be offered to replace spoilt goods, even if insurance cover is chosen.
How do you ship refrigerated items?
Fridge items are sent out Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only, by Express Post in foam eskies containing ice Blocks, to ensure items remain cold on delivery. Please refer to the below link to see if you are within the Australia Post Express Network:
How do I track my order?
With email and SMS tracking notifications, you will get peace of mind to track and choose delivery options. You will be given a tracking number and the date your parcel is expected to be delivered, as well as the chance to choose how and where you like to receive it.
What if I want to Pick up my order?
Pick up is available from our store. Please select “Pickup option" at the checkout. We will contact you once your order has been assembled and is ready for collection.
Pick up address: 4/500 North Rocks Road Carlingford, Sydney NSW, 2118.
Can I refund medication after collection?
We can dispose your unwanted medication, but we can’t refund it. Once a prescription item leaves our pharmacy, by law they cannot be resold. As such, refunds are not possible.