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Overview: Calcitonin salmon is used to treat certain conditions that affect bone health, such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and high calcium levels. It is available as an injection and a nasal spray. Common side effects vary based on the calcitonin salmon form you are using, but include nausea, runny nose, or injection site pain. Serious side effects are rare, but may include allergic reactions or low calcium levels.

Uses

What is calcitonin salmon used for?

Calcitonin salmon is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

These uses may vary depending on the specific calcitonin salmon product prescribed.

Calcitonin salmon may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does calcitonin salmon work (mechanism of action)?

Calcitonin salmon mimics a natural hormone in your body called calcitonin. It helps your body regulate calcium levels and maintain bone health.

How is calcitonin salmon supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fortical
  • Miacalcin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 200 IU/mL injection
  • 200 IU/spray metered-dose nasal solution (nasal spray)

How should I store calcitonin salmon?

Injection Liquid. Calcitonin salmon injection should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Protect it from freezing.

Nasal Spray. Unopened calcitonin salmon nasal spray should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Protect it from freezing. Once the bottle is opened, it should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store the bottle in an upright position. Throw away the bottle after you have used 30 doses or after 35 days of opening.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of calcitonin salmon?

The most common side effects of calcitonin salmon are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Flushing of the face or hands
  • Runny nose or stuffy nose, nosebleeds, or other nasal side effects (see below)
  • Back or joint pain
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of calcitonin salmon that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of calcitonin salmon?

While less common, the most serious side effects of calcitonin salmon are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Calcitonin salmon may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using calcitonin salmon and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Calcium Levels (Hypocalcemia). Calcitonin salmon can cause low calcium levels, which can be serious. Low calcium levels can cause a rare but dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Stop using calcitonin salmon and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat
  • Fainting
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your arms, feet, or face (paresthesia)
  • Muscle pain or spasms
  • Seizures

Cancer. Calcitonin salmon may cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get.

Nasal Side Effects. Calcitonin salmon nasal spray may cause your nose to get irritated. It can also cause ulcers, or sores, in your nose. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of nose irritation.

  • Crusting, dryness, or discomfort
  • Redness or swelling
  • Sores in your nose
  • Nosebleed

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use calcitonin salmon?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use calcitonin salmon.

  • Calcitonin salmon
  • Miacalcin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific calcitonin salmon products they stock.

What should I know about calcitonin salmon before using it?

Do not use calcitonin salmon unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share calcitonin salmon with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep calcitonin salmon out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

There are multiple forms of calcitonin salmon available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to prepare, use, and throw it away properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from calcitonin salmon. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

It is important that you keep all of your appointments, including labs or other testing, while using calcitonin salmon. If you miss an appointment, call your health care provider to reschedule.

Depending on why you are using calcitonin syndrome, it is important to get enough calcium and vitamin D. Talk with your health care provider about whether you need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

What should I tell my health care provider before using calcitonin salmon?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if calcitonin salmon is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Low Calcium or Vitamin D Levels. Tell your health care provider if you have low calcium or vitamin D levels or if you have had low levels in the past.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Calcitonin salmon may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using calcitonin salmon, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how calcitonin salmon could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if calcitonin salmon passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use calcitonin salmon while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does calcitonin salmon interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between calcitonin salmon and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect calcitonin salmon.

Does calcitonin salmon interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking lithium before using calcitonin salmon.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with calcitonin salmon. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much calcitonin salmon?

If you or someone else has used too much calcitonin salmon, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of calcitonin salmon?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.