FRIDAY, May 27, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to treat a common complication of chronic kidney disease.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) occurs when the kidneys can no longer regulate vitamin D levels. This can cause damage to the bones, heart, muscles, and nerves if left untreated.
Abbott Laboratories said Friday that its Zemplar (paricalcitol) capsules were approved to prevent and treat SHPT. An injected form of the drug was approved in 1998.
The company cited National Kidney Foundation estimates that 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and as many as 8 million may be candidates for the new treatment.
To learn more about chronic kidney disease, visit Medline Plus.
