Drugs & Vitamins

Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray Active Ingredients: Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray Representative Names: Miacalcin Nasal Spray Available Product Images: What is calcitonin nasal spray? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with calcitonin? What side effects may I notice from using calcitonin? What should I watch for while taking calcitonin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is calcitonin nasal spray? (Back to top) CALCITONIN (Miacalcin® and Fortical®) controls the amount of calcium in your body and helps maintain proper bone density. Calcitonin nasal spray is used to treat osteoporosis. Generic calcitonin nasal spray is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •low level of blood calcium •nasal sores or trauma •an unusual or allergic reaction to calcitonin, fish, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Calcitonin nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Before you use the nasal spray for the first time, the sprayer must be primed. Hold the bottle upright. Make sure you point the spray away from yourself, other people, and pets while priming. Pump the sprayer several times until a fine spray appears. Once the pump is primed you do not need to prime it again. To use the nasal spray, place the nozzle of the bottle firmly in one nostril. Hold your head upright and spray 1 spray into your nostril. You do not need to inhale at the same time as you spray. Use the opposite nostril each day. Alternate nostrils daily. Do not use more than 1 spray per day. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you use one dose per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses. What drug(s) may interact with calcitonin? (Back to top) •lithium Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using calcitonin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness •fever, chills •nosebleed or nose sores •rash or itching (hives) •swelling of the tongue, difficulty swallowing •tingling in the hands or feet Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •back or joint pain •decreased appetite •headache •heartburn •irritation of the nose including crustiness, dryness, itching, or an uncomfortable feeling soreness across the bridge of the nose •nausea or vomiting •runny nose •stuffy nose •watery eyes What should I watch for while taking calcitonin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should have a nasal examination before you start treatment and periodically during use. If you get small nasal ulcers, tell your health care professional. You may need to stop using the nasal spray until the ulcers heal. It is important to take your medicine as prescribed, even if you have no symptoms of osteoporosis. You may also need to take supplements of calcium and vitamin D while you are receiving calcitonin. These supplements will help calcitonin work better and to avoid certain side effects. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Before you use the medicine, store it unopened in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F); do not freeze. After you have primed the nasal spray, you can keep the bottle at room temperature for one month. Throw away any unused medicine after the spray has been at room temperature for one month. Last Updated:09/16/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.