Calcitonin

(kal si TOE nin)

U.S. Brand Names

Fortical®; Miacalcin®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Calcitonin®; Calcimar®; Caltine®; Miacalcin® NS

Mexican Brand Names

Miacalcic; Oseum

Pharmacologic Category

Antidote; Hormone

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.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Nasal spray:

• For the nose only.

• Blow your nose before use.

• Alternate nostrils every day.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin or a muscle.

• Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

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.

• Irritation where the shot is given.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• 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 nasal spray bottle in an upright position at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 30 days.

• Store injection in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

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).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 11:07:34.0

Modified: 2008-02-11 14:44:10.0

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