Calcitonin nasal spray should be used in conjunction with an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. has also been associated with cardiovascular side effects (such as high blood pressure, chest pain), tinnitus, shortness of breath, and other side effects.
Full Answer
What is calcitonin used to treat?
Calcitonin belongs to the class of medicines known as calcitonin receptor agonists. 2. Upsides May be used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women that are at least five years postmenopause, when other treatments (such as estrogens) are contraindicated, not tolerated, or not desired.
How often can you take calcitonin salmon injection?
The dose usually is one shot once or twice a day, but some patients may require less frequent dosing. To help avoid side effects, your doctor may increase your dose gradually over a couple of weeks. Use calcitonin salmon injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
How can I avoid allergic reactions to calcitonin?
To avoid allergic reactions (especially if you have a history of protein allergies), your doctor may start with skin testing – a small test dose of calcitonin salmon is injected to check for a reaction. The dose usually is one shot once or twice a day, but some patients may require less frequent dosing.
What was the first calcitonin approved by the FDA?
FDA approved the first drug based on salmon calcitonin, Calcimar®, an injectable form marketed by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer in 1975. Since then, two drugs made by Novartis and marketed under the trade name Miacalcin® – one injectable form and one administered through a nasal spray – were approved.
Why is dietary calcium important to bone growth?
Bones are the main storage site of calcium in the body. Your body cannot make calcium. The body only gets the calcium it needs through the food you eat, or from supplements. If you do not get enough calcium in your diet, or if your body does not absorb enough calcium, your bones can get weak or will not grow properly.
What effect does calcitonin have on the organ's affected by the disease?
Calcitonin decreases calcium levels by blocking the breakdown of bone calcium and by preventing your kidneys from reabsorbing calcium. In other words, it encourages calcium loss through your kidneys.
Does calcitonin decrease calcium?
Calcitonin reduces calcium levels in the blood by two main mechanisms: It inhibits the activity of osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for breaking down bone. When bone is broken down, the calcium contained in the bone is released into the bloodstream.
What mineral regulates blood calcium level?
Vitamin DFunctions of Vitamin D As previously discussed, activated vitamin D3 (calcitriol) regulates blood calcium levels in concert with parathyroid hormone (PTH). Vitamin D works with PTH to stimulate osteoclasts that break down bone when calcium is needed elsewhere in the body.
How does calcitonin work for osteoporosis?
Calcitonin. Calcitonin is a hormone naturally produced in the thyroid. When given to patients with osteoporosis, calcitonin produces modest increases in bone mass because it slows the rate at which osteoclasts absorb bone. Only women who are at least five years past menopause can take calcitonin.
What happens when thyroid gland releases calcitonin?
Calcitonin is released by the thyroid gland if the amount of calcium in the bloodstream is high. Calcitonin decreases the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. It does this by slowing the activity of cells found in bone, called osteoclasts. These cells cause calcium to be released as they 'clean' bone.
What stimulates calcitonin release?
serum calcium concentrationCalcitonin secretion is stimulated by increases in the serum calcium concentration and calcitonin protects against the development of hypercalcemia. Calcitonin is also stimulated by gastrointestinal hormones such as gastrin.
What is the function of calcitonin?
The overall effect of calcitonin is to lower the concentration of calcium in the blood when it rises above the normal value. It also lowers the concentration of phosphorus in the blood when levels exceed normal. Calcitonin acts to decrease serum calcium concentrations in several ways.
What is calcitonin quizlet?
Calcitonin is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that reduces the concentration of blood calcium level when it has risen to an above normal level. This polypeptide hormone is made up of 32 amino acids and is produced mainly by the parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) of the thyroid gland.
Does dietary calcium affect blood calcium?
However, the excessive intake of calcium supplements can increase serum calcium concentrations, and a low dietary calcium intake may contribute to lower serum calcium concentrations (13).
Which of the following nutrients increases the absorption rate of dietary calcium?
The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, one can't form enough of the hormone calcitriol (known as the “active vitamin D”).
What vitamins and minerals are needed for calcium absorption?
To absorb calcium, your body also needs vitamin D. A few foods naturally contain small amounts of vitamin D, such as canned salmon with bones and egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D from fortified foods and sun exposure.
How often should I use calcitonin nasal spray?
Calcitonin nasal spray: This medication is for use in the nose as directed, usually one spray in one nostril each day alternat ing nostrils daily . Do not use this more often or continue using this for longer than prescribed. The first time the nasal spray is used the pump must be properly activated (primed).
What is calcitonin used for?
WHAT IS CALCITONIN? Calcitonin is a hormone used to treat symptoms of Paget’s disease of the bone, hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood ) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone weakening). This medicine is often ordered for cancer patients experiencing bone pain due to metastasis.
Why is calcitonin prescribed?
This medicine is often ordered for cancer patients experiencing bone pain due to metastasis.
How often should I take calcitonin salmon?
The dose usually is one shot once or twice a day, but some patients may require less frequent dosing. To help avoid side effects, your doctor may increase your dose gradually over a couple of weeks. Use calcitonin salmon injection exactly as directed.
How to avoid allergic reactions to salmon?
Follow all directions carefully. Throw away all empty syringes and vials as directed by your health care provider . To avoid allergic reactions (especially if you have a history of protein allergies), your doctor may start with skin testing – a small test dose of calcitonin salmon is injected to check for a reaction.
What are the side effects of a nasal spray?
Nasal spray. an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) severe nasal irritation. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
When was salmon calcitonin first approved?
FDA approved the first drug based on salmon calcitonin, Calcimar®, an injectable form marketed by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer in 1975. Since then, two drugs made by Novartis and marketed under the trade name Miacalcin® – one injectable form and one administered through a nasal spray – were approved.
What is calcitonin injection?
Calcitonin injection is used to treat Paget's disease of the bone. It may also be used to prevent bone loss in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and to treat hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood). Calcitonin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What to do if you miss calcitonin?
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.
How many IU of a sulfate injection?
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 4 International Units (IU) per kilogram (kg) of body weight injected into a muscle or under the skin every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Does calcitonin cause cancer?
If you are using calcitonin for postmenopausal osteoporosis, your doctor may also want you to take calcium and vitamin D every day. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor. Calcitonin may increase your risk of having a cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk.
Can elderly people get calcitonin?
However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving calcitonin injection .
Can you give calcitonin injections at home?
Calcitonin is given as a shot under your skin or into one of your muscles. Calcitonin injection may be given at home to patients who do not need to be in the hospital. If you are using calcitonin at home, your doctor will teach you how to prepare and inject the medicine.
Can you be allergic to calcitonin?
Your doctor might give you an allergy skin test to see if you are allergic to calcitonin before using calcitonin. Calcitonin may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
What is the role of vitamin K in bone health?
Vitamin K. Vitamin K plays an important role in maintaining bone strength and preventing bone breakdown. Low levels of vitamin K have been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures and low bone density ( 27.
What is the progressive disease that affects bone density and quality?
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that affects bone density and quality, leading to an increased risk of bone fractures and reductions in quality of life ( 1. Trusted Source.
Why is zinc important for bone growth?
Zinc is important for bone growth, and higher zinc levels have been linked to better bone density scores. Additionally, low levels of zinc have been found in women with osteoporosis and low bone density ( 19. Trusted Source. , 50.
What is magnesium used for?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that’s involved in over 300 reactions in your body. It’s also important for bone health, with approximately 60% of this mineral being found in bone tissue ( 12#N#Trusted Source#N#).
What foods are good for osteoporosis?
Given that more research is needed on the role of vitamin K supplements on osteoporosis and related fractures, it may be best to consume foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.
What is isoflavones a class of?
Isoflavones are a class of antioxidants often referred to as phytoestrogens. They have a structure similar to that of the hormone estrogen and can attach to and activate estrogen receptors in your body ( 34#N#Trusted Source#N#).
What is bone remodeling?
Bone is constantly in a cycle of being broken down and reformed. This process is known as bone remodeling and requires an adequate supply of certain nutrients ( 4. ). As a result, some may wonder whether certain dietary supplements, in addition to an overall healthy diet, may help prevent and manage the disease.
How It Works
Upsides
- May be used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women that are at least five years postmenopause, when other treatments (such as estrogens) are contraindicated, not tolerated, or no...
- Available as a spray to be used in the nose.
- Once-daily use (alternate nostrils every day).
- May be used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women that are at least five years postmenopause, when other treatments (such as estrogens) are contraindicated, not tolerated, or no...
- Available as a spray to be used in the nose.
- Once-daily use (alternate nostrils every day).
- May be used off-label (meaning it is not an FDA-approved use but is a recognized use) short-term for Paget's disease, a bone disorder; for acute bone loss due to sudden immobilization; and with exc...
Bottom Line
- Calcitonin is reserved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women when other treatments for osteoporosis are ineffective, not tolerated, or not desired. The FDA discourages its use, sayings its risks (of malignancy) outweigh its benefits. Nasal side effects are common and blood calcium levels must be within the normal range before treatment begins.
Tips
- Take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not overuse this medication.
- Store unopen calcitonin nasal spray in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Calcitonin that is in use may be kept at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to...
- Do not shake the bottle. When self-administering the nasal spray, keep your head in an uprigh…
- Take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not overuse this medication.
- Store unopen calcitonin nasal spray in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Calcitonin that is in use may be kept at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to...
- Do not shake the bottle. When self-administering the nasal spray, keep your head in an upright position and firmly depress the pump. You do not need to breathe in or inhale while you are giving you...
- Wipe the tip of the nose spray pump with a clean damp cloth once or twice a week. The 2mL bottle should be discarded after 14 doses and the 3.7mL bottle after 30 doses, even if they do not look empty.
Response and Effectiveness
- Calcitonin nasal spray is rapidly absorbed with a maximum time to peak effect of 13 minutes. It has a short half-life (18 minutes); however, its effects are long-lasting and once-daily dosing is ef...
- Research has not shown calcitonin to be effective at reducing the incidence of fractures. Th…
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with calcitonin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with calcitonin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
References
- Calcitonin-Salmon Nasal Spray. 09/2021. Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/calcitonin-salmon-injection.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use calcitonin only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 26, 2022. Medical Disclaimer