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What is calcitonin injection?

CALCITONIN (Miacalcin®) controls the amount of calcium in your body and helps maintain proper bone density. Calcitonin is used to treat diseases of the bone such as Paget's disease and osteoporosis. Calcitonin is used to treat excess amounts of calcium in the blood. Generic calcitonin injection is available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• low level of blood calcium
• 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?

Calcitonin is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. If you have been instructed to give yourself calcitonin injections, make sure that you understand how to prepare and inject the dose. Use exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and do not use more or less often than prescribed.

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?

If you use two doses per day, give the missed dose only if you remember within 2 hours. Otherwise, skip the dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses.

If you use one dose per day, give the missed dose as soon as you remember on the day the dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses.

If you use one dose every other day, give the missed dose as soon as you remember on the day the dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, use the dose and skip a day to resume an every-other-day schedule. Do not use double doses.

If you use three doses per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), give the missed dose as soon as you remember on the day the dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, give the missed dose and give the rest of the doses a day later than normal. Do not use double doses or use doses two days in a row. Return to your regular schedule the following week.

What drug(s) may interact with calcitonin?

• 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 should I watch for while taking calcitonin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Calcitonin can make your blood calcium level dangerously low. You will need regular blood tests while using calcitonin. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about calcium in your diet.

You may also need to take supplements of calcium and vitamin D while you are receiving calcitonin, unless you are being treated for high calcium levels. Discuss whether calcium and vitamin D supplements are right for you with your prescriber or health care provider.

Store needles and syringes out of the reach of children. Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal.

What side effects may I notice from receiving calcitonin?

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
• 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
• flushing (reddening of the face, ears, or hands)
• headache
• heartburn
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, redness, irritation or swelling at the injection site
• stomach pain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.