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Brand name:

Miacalcin

Pronounced: my-ah-CAL-sin
Generic name: Calcitonin-salmon

Why is this drug prescribed?

Miacalcin is a synthetic form of calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Miacalcin reduces the rate of calcium loss from bones. Since less calcium passes from the bones to the blood, Miacalcin also helps control blood calcium levels.

Miacalcin Nasal Spray is used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone loss occurring after menopause) in women who cannot or will not take estrogen.

Most important fact about this drug

Although no allergic reactions have been reported with Miacalcin Nasal Spray, calcitonin-salmon, has been reported to cause serious allergic reactions (such as shock, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat or tongue) in a few people. The possibility exists for such a reaction with the nasal spray. Your doctor may give you a skin test to see if you are allergic to calcitonin-salmon.

How should you take this medication?

Spray Miacalcin into one nostril one day, the other the next.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for activating the pump before the first dose.

Keep your head upright. Put the nozzle into your nostril and depress the pump toward the bottle.

Be sure your diet provides enough calcium and vitamin D. Foods that are good sources of calcium include dairy products (such as milk and cheese) and fish. Good sources of vitamin D include fish (such as salmon, sardines, and tuna), liver, and dairy products. Sunlight is an indirect source of vitamin D.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store the unopened medication in the refrigerator. Protect from freezing. Before you prime the pump and open a new bottle, let it come to room temperature. You can keep the bottle at room temperature for 30 days; be sure it stays upright.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Miacalcin Nasal Spray.

• More common side effects may include:
  Back pain, headache, joint pain, nasal inflammation, nasal symptoms (crusts, dryness, redness, sores, irritation, itching, thick feeling, soreness, paleness, infection, narrowing of passages, runny or blocked nose, small wounds, bleeding wound, uncomfortable feeling), nosebleed

• Less common side effects may include:
  Flushing, nausea, possible allergic reaction, respiratory tract irritation

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

You should not be using Miacalcin if you are allergic to calcitonin-salmon.

Special warnings about this medication

Your doctor will examine your nose before you use Miacalcin Nasal Spray and periodically while you are using it.

If your nose becomes very irritated, notify your doctor.

Miacalcin may cause small wounds or ulcers in your nose.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

There are no interactions listed for this drug. However, people with Paget's disease of bone who have taken certain drugs such as Didronel may find that Miacalcin Nasal Spray is not working as well as it should.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of calcitonin-salmon in pregnancy have not been adequately studied, but use of Miacalcin Nasal Spray if you are pregnant is not recommended.

It is not known whether Miacalcin appears in breast milk. Women are usually advised not to use Miacalcin while breastfeeding an infant.

Recommended dosage

The usual dose is 1 spray (200 I.U.) a day, sprayed into the nose. Alternate nostrils. Ask your doctor about taking supplemental vitamin D and calcium.

Miacalcin Nasal Spray should not be used by children.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

• Symptoms of Miacalcin overdose may include:
  Spasms