Calcitonin



Fortical®; Miacalcin®







Calcitonin

(kal si TOE nin)

U.S. Brand Names
Fortical®; Miacalcin®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Calcitonin®; Calcimar®; Caltine®; Miacalcin® NS
Mexican Brand Names
Miacalcic®[salmon]; Oseum®[salmon]; Tonocalcin®[salmon]
Pharmacologic Category
Antidote
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to calcitonin or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you have an allergy to salmon.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal females.
  • This medicine is used to treat Paget's disease.
How does it work?
  • Calcitonin prevents bone loss.
How is it best taken?
  • Follow directions given by healthcare provider or read the package insert.
  • Use this medicine at bedtime to prevent upset stomach.
  • Alternate nostrils for administration.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Nasal irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nasal irritation.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store unopened nasal spray bottle in a refrigerator until ready to use. Do not freeze.
  • Store opened bottle in an upright position at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 30 days.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: