calcitonin injection

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Pronunciation: KAL si TOE nin

Brand: Miacalcin

What is the most important information I should know about calcitonin injection?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is calcitonin injection?

Calcitonin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the thyroid gland.

Calcitonin injection is used to treat Paget's disease of bone, or high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Calcitonin injection is also used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Calcitonin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using calcitonin injection?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to salmon calcitonin.

To make sure calcitonin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).

Using calcitonin may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether calcitonin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether calcitonin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use calcitonin injection?

To make sure you are not allergic to calcitonin, your doctor may perform an allergy skin test before your first dose.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Calcitonin is injected under the skin or into a muscle. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Use a disposable needle only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use calcitonin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Calcitonin injection is not a cure for Paget's disease. You may have a relapse, especially if your body forms antibodies and you become immune to calcitonin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using calcitonin.

Your doctor may want you to take extra calcium and vitamin D while you are using calcitonin. Take only the amounts of calcium and vitamin D your doctor has prescribed.

Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using calcitonin injection?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What are the possible side effects of calcitonin injection?

You may have increased bone pain during the first few months of treatment with calcitonin injection. This is not a sign that the medication isn't working properly.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
  • low levels of calcium in your blood --numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Common side effects may include:

  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
  • nausea;
  • vomiting; or
  • swelling where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect calcitonin injection?

Other drugs may interact with calcitonin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about calcitonin injection.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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