Introduction
Calcitonin is a medicine used for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It makes the bones stronger and lowers the risk of fractures.
Calcitonin should be used as you have been advised by your doctor. Normally you should blow your nose gently before using it, keep one nostril closed while applying the medicine into the other and then sniff hard to make sure it reaches deep into the nose. Then repeat for the other nostril. You should take adequate supplements of calcium and vitamin D while on the treatment of this medicine to make it more effective.
The most common side effects of this medicine include runny nose, nose bleed, back pain, joint pain, headache, and other nose symptoms such as itching, irritation, and discomfort. These are usually mild but if they bother you or do not go away, your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing them.
To make sure the medicine is safe for you, before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctors before taking the medicine.
Uses of Calcitonin
- Post menopausal osteoporosis
- Paget's disease
- Hypercalcemia
Side effects of Calcitonin
Common
- Runny nose
- Nasal irritation
How to use Calcitonin
Use this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Insert the bottle tip into one nostril and close the other nostril. Direct the spray towards the sides of your nostril, away from the cartilage dividing the two sides of your nose. As you spray, breath gently and keep the head upright. Repeat the same process for the other nostrils.
Indication
Hypercalcaemia, Paget's disease of bone, Postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Adult Dose
Parenteral
Hypercalcemia
Initial dose: 4 IU/kg SC/IM q12hr May increase to 8 IU/kg SC/IM q12hr; may increase up to a maximum 8 IU/kg q6hr if unresponsive
Paget Disease
Initial dose: 100 IU SC/IM qDay
Maintenance: 50 IU/day or 50-100 IU every 1-3 days
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
Indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 yr postmenopause
100 IU SC/IM every other day with calcium and vitamin D
Nasal Spray:
1 spray (200 IU) qDay, alternate nostrils daily
Child Dose
Safety and efficacy not established
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity.
Mode of Action
It inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and reduces bone turnover. It decreases tubular reabsorption and promotes renal excretion of Ca, Cl, Na, Mg, K and phosphate.
Precaution
Children <18 yr, renal impairment. Pregnancy, lactation. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis, reported; consider skin testing prior to treatment. Hypocalcemia associated with tetany has been reported; ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown/not recommended
Side Effect
>10%
Rhinitis (12%)
1-10%
Arthralgia (4%),Back pain (5%),Expistaxis (4%),Injection site reactions (10%),Nausea (10%),Headache (3%),Flushing of face or hands (2-5%)
<1%
Abdominal pain,Possible allergic reactions,Appetite decreased,Edema of feet,Eye pain,Feverish sensation,Nausea,Nocturia,Possible local irritative effects in the respiratory tract,Salty taste
Frequency Not Defined
Tremors
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic shock.
Interaction
Concurrent use w/ cardiac glycosides (e.g. digitalis) or Ca-channel blockers requires dosage adjustments of these drugs. May decrease serum concentration of lithium.