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Calcitonin  (Nasal-Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Miacalcin

Category


Description

Calcitonin (kal-si-TOE-nin) is used to treat women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone loss). It is used together with calcium and vitamin D.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For calcitonin, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to calcitonin or to proteins. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Calcitonin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, in animal studies, calcitonin has been shown to lower the birth weight of the baby when the mother was given a dose of calcitonin many times the human dose. Calcitonin nasal solution should not be used by women during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether calcitonin passes into breast milk. However, studies in animals have shown that calcitonin may decrease the flow of milk.

Children—There is no specific information comparing the use of calcitonin in children with use in older age groups.

Older adults—Calcitonin nasal solution has been tested in elderly patients and has not been found to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking calcitonin, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.



Proper Use of This Medicine

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine. If you have any questions about using the pump spray, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often or for a longer time than directed.

To assemble the pump:

To prepare this medicine:

To use the nose spray:

Dosing—

The dose of calcitonin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of calcitonin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:



Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 03/23/1998

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