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Calcitonin Salmon Injection

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(kal si toe' nin)

Brand name(s): Calcimar; Miacalcin

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Calcitonin is a hormone used to treat symptoms of Paget's disease of bone, hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), and postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone weakening).

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Calcitonin injection is given subcutaneously (a shot just below the skin layer) or intramuscularly (a shot into the muscle). Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will show you how to administer the medication. Follow all directions carefully. Throw away all empty syringes and vials as directed by your health care provider.

To avoid allergic reactions (especially if you have a history of protein allergies), your doctor may start with skin testing; a small test dose of calcitonin salmon is injected to check for a reaction. The dose usually is one shot once or twice a day, but some patients may require less frequent dosing. To help avoid side effects, your doctor may increase your dose gradually over a couple of weeks.

The number of doses you need depends on your condition. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use calcitonin salmon injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

When used to manage Paget's disease or osteoporosis, calcitonin salmon helps to treat symptoms but does not cure the disease. Therefore, it is important that you keep using calcitonin salmon as directed. The length of your treatment depends on your response to the medication. Generally, treatment continues as long as your symptoms improve. Do not stop using calcitonin salmon injection without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using calcitonin salmon injection,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Follow all dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. If you are using calcitonin salmon injection to treat osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe vitamin D and calcium supplements or a high-calcium diet. However, if you have hypercalcemia, your doctor may prescribe a low-calcium diet. Before using calcitonin salmon injection, talk with your doctor about the amount of calcium in your diet. Follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. Use the following dosage schedule guidelines:

If your usual dose is two doses per day, use the missed dose if you remember it within 2 hours of your regularly scheduled dose. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and then continue on the regular dosing schedule.

If your usual dose is one dose per day, use the missed dose if you remember it during the same day. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule the next day.

If your usual dose is every other day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember it, either on the regularly scheduled day or the next day. Then, continue a regular dosing schedule of every other day from that point.

If your usual dose is three times a week, give the missed dose on the next day and continue every other day thereafter. Resume the regular dosing schedule at the beginning of the next week.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from calcitonin salmon injection are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Store calcitonin salmon injection in its original container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze this medicine or shake the vials. Let the solution warm to room temperature before administration. Do not use calcitonin salmon injection if it has been out of the refrigerator for more than 24 hours. Keep all supplies in a clean, dry place and out of reach of children. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of used, empty syringes and vials.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Side effects may be lessened by administering calcitonin salmon injection at bedtime.

Before preparing a dose, look at the vial. If the solution is discolored or contains particles, do not use it, and call your pharmacist.

If calcitonin salmon injection causes you to experience dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery following your injection.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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