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Calcitonin Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Hormone

How the Calcitonin Products Works:

Calcitonin is a hormone secreted by specialized cells of the thyroid gland.

It plays a major role in calcium and bone metabolism and has direct actions on the kidneys and digestive tract.

Uses of The Calcitonin:

  • To treat moderate to severe Paget disease (injection only), a condition of abnormal and accelerated bone formation and calcium uptake.

  • For early treatment in high calcium emergencies when a rapid decrease in serum calcium is required, until a more specific treatment can be done. It can also be added to existing therapies for high calcium levels (injection only).

  • To treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. May prevent the progressive loss of bone mass. Use nasal spray only in patients who cannot take estrogen.

Precautions:

  • Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to calcitonin-salmon.

  • Use with caution in the following situations: low calcium levels osteogenic sarcoma (eg, bone cancer)

  • Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, 01 animal studies may have shown to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

  • Breastfeeding: It is not known if these drugs appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

  • Children: Bone disorders in children (juvenile Paget disease) have boon reported rarely. There are no data to support use in children.

  • Lab Tests: Lab tests or exams may be necessary to monitor treatment. Be sure 10 keep appointments. Tests may include: Nasal examinations; skin tests for allergy (prior to treatment); blood calcium levels.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

  • Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; appetite changes; gas; abdominal pain and discomfort; salty taste.

  • Nervous System: Headache/migraine; sleeplessness; anxiety; vertigo (feeling of a whirling motion); nerve pain; agitation.

  • Circulatory System: Fast heartbeat; palpitation (pounding in the chest); heart attack or block; anemia; stroke; inflammation of the veins.

  • Respiratory System: Nasal congestion; nasal symptoms (eg, irritation, redness, sores); difficulty breathing; sore throat; pneumonia; bronchitis; coughing; distorted sense of smell.

  • Skin: Inflammation at the injection site; flushing of face or hands; itching of ear lobes; swelling of feet; rashes; skin ulcers; eczema; hair loss; sweating.

  • Senses: Eye pain; blurred vision; eye floaters (black or white spots); ringing in the ears; earache; hearing loss.

Other: Back, muscle or joint pain; nosebleed; increased urination at night; feverish sensation; weight increase; stiffness; taste distortion; overactive thyroid (eg, weight loss); inflammation of kidney or pelvis; blood in urine; gallstone formation; thirst; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Patient instructions for use are enclosed in each package.

  • Follow the injection procedure taught to you by your health care provider.

  • Doses vary according to the condition being treated. Do not adjust dose without consulting your doctor.

  • If a dose is missed, inject or inhale it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to "catch up" (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Nasal spray - To activate (prime) the pump, hold the bottle upright and depress the two white side arms toward the bottle six times until a faint spray is emitted. The pump is activated once the first faint spray has been emitted. At this point, firmly place the nozzle into the nostril with the head in the upright position, and depress the pump toward the bottle. It is not necessary to reactivate the pump before each daily dose.

  • Nausea, vomiting and flushing tend to decrease with continued use. Administration at bedtime may be helpful.

  • Supplemental vitamin D and calcium should be considered in those receiving calcitonin to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

  • Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Allergic reaction to the drug (eg, shortness of breath, difficult breathing, hives, rash), significant nasal irritation or persistent nausea and vomiting.

Storage-

  • Injection: Store in the refrigerator between 36° and 43° F. Nasal spray: Store unopened bottle in the refrigerator between 36° and 46° F. Once the pump has been activated, store at room temperature.