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Takeda will discontinue global manufacturing of NATPARA by the end of 2024. Learn How This May Affect You
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NATPARA is a prescription parathyroid hormone used with calcium and vitamin D to control low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) in people with low parathyroid hormone blood levels (hypoparathyroidism). It is only for people who do not respond well to treatment with calcium and active forms of vitamin D alone, because it may increase the possible risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma).

NATPARA was not studied in people with hypoparathyroidism caused by calcium-sensing receptor mutations. It was not studied in people who get sudden hypoparathyroidism after surgery. It is not known if NATPARA is safe and effective for children 18 years of age and younger. NATPARA should not be used in children and young adults whose bones are still growing.

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NATPARA is a prescription parathyroid hormone used with calcium and vitamin D to control low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) in people with low parathyroid hormone blood levels (hypoparathyroidism). It is only for people who do not respond well to treatment with calcium and active forms of vitamin D alone, because it may increase the possible risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma).

NATPARA was not studied in people with hypoparathyroidism caused by calcium-sensing receptor mutations. It was not studied in people who get sudden hypoparathyroidism after surgery. It is not known if NATPARA is safe and effective for children 18 years of age and younger. NATPARA should not be used in children and young adults whose bones are still growing.

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About the Discontinuation of NATPARA

What You Need to Know

Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced its decision, made on October 3, 2022, that it will discontinue manufacturing NATPAR®/NATPARA® (parathyroid hormone) for Injection1 globally at the end of 2024 due to unresolved supply issues that are specific to the product. As a result, Takeda will not re-commercialize NATPARA in the U.S. and will discontinue manufacturing NATPAR globally.

Until the end of 2024, Takeda’s key priority is to maintain treatment continuity for patients who are currently receiving NATPAR/NATPARA, subject to available supply. This includes those enrolled in the U.S. Special Use Program and all patients receiving NATPAR in Europe and other regions around the world. Beyond 2024, Takeda intends to supply available doses until inventory is depleted or expired. Takeda will provide updates before the manufacturing end date and ahead of any potential supply interruptions.

Takeda has continued to communicate updates about persistent supply challenges surrounding protein particle formation that are unique and specific to NATPAR/NATPARA.2 Over the past several years, Takeda has explored numerous ways to address the NATPAR/NATPARA protein particle issue to improve sustainable supply. Some of the specific steps have included focused root cause analysis, computational modeling, evaluation and implementation of manufacturing process changes and reformulation research and development. Separately, after evaluation of the U.S. Complete Response Letter received earlier this year, Takeda determined it cannot implement a solution to the rubber particle formation issue, which led to the U.S. recall of NATPARA in 2019.2 Despite these efforts, Takeda has unfortunately determined there is not a sustainable or viable path forward.

It is important to underscore that all product released for patient use continues to meet Takeda’s quality standards, and the safety profile of NATPAR/NATPARA has not changed.

Takeda has great empathy for hypoparathyroidism patients who rely on NATPAR/NATPARA and deeply regrets that we could not resolve these issues. Takeda is communicating this information now following consultation and alignment with regulatory authorities and to allow time for patients to consult with their healthcare teams to develop longer-term treatment plans.

If you have questions or concerns, browse the information on this page, and talk with your doctor.

References: 1. NATPARA® for use in the U.S. / NATPAR® for use in Europe and all other markets, in which the medication is commercially available. 2. “Takeda Issues US Recall of NATPARA® (parathyroid hormone) for Injection Due to the Potential for Rubber Particulate” announced on September 6, 2019, and “Takeda Provides NATPARA U.S. Regulatory Update” announced on March 22, 2022.

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Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about NATPARA?

Warning: Possible bone cancer (osteosarcoma).

  • During animal drug testing, NATPARA caused some rats to develop a bone cancer called osteosarcoma.
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Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about NATPARA?

Warning: Possible bone cancer (osteosarcoma).

  • During animal drug testing, NATPARA caused some rats to develop a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. It is not known if people who take NATPARA will have a higher chance of getting osteosarcoma. Tell your doctor right away if you have pain in any areas of your body that does not go away, or any new or unusual lumps or swelling under your skin that is tender to touch.
  • NATPARA is only available through the NATPARA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. The purpose of the NATPARA REMS program is to inform patients about the potential risk of osteosarcoma associated with the use of NATPARA. For more information about this REMS program, call 1-855-NATPARA (628-7272) or go to www.NATPARAREMS.com.

NATPARA may cause other serious side effects, including:

High blood calcium (hypercalcemia)

  • NATPARA can cause some people to have a higher blood calcium level than normal.
    • Your doctor should check your blood calcium before you start and during your treatment with NATPARA.
    • Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness. These may be signs that you have too much calcium in your blood.

Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)

  • People who stop using or miss a dose of NATPARA may have an increased risk of severe low blood calcium levels.
  • Tell your doctor if you have tingling of your lips, tongue, fingers and feet, twitching of face muscles, cramping of feet and hands, seizures, depression, or have problems thinking or remembering.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of high or low blood calcium levels.

Who should not use NATPARA?

  • Do not use NATPARA if you are allergic to parathyroid hormone or any of the ingredients in NATPARA.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using NATPARA?

  • Before you start using NATPARA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of NATPARA?

  • NATPARA may cause serious side effects like allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, including anaphylaxis. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
    • swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue
    • breathing problems
    • fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
    • fast heartbeat
    • itching
    • rash
    • hives
  • The most common side effects of NATPARA include: tingling, tickling, or burning feeling of the skin, low or high blood calcium, headache, nausea, reduced sense of touch or sensation, diarrhea, vomiting, pain in joints, too much calcium in urine, and pain in limbs.

These are not all the possible side effects of NATPARA. For more information, talk with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Prescribing Information, Medication Guide, and Instructions for Use.