What Is Calcitonin Salmon Injection? 

Calcitonin salmon injection (Miacalcin® injection)  is a prescription medication approved  to treat the following conditions: 

• Paget's disease of the bone
• High blood calcium (hypercalcemia) 
• Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. 

Calcitonin Salmon Injection Side Effects 

As with  any medicine, side effects are possible with calcitonin salmon injection. However,  not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate  it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment  or can easily be treated  by you  or your healthcare  provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of calcitonin salmon injection include but are not limited to: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting  
• Injection site reactions (irritation, pain, or redness  at the injection site) 
• Flushing.

Calcitonin Salmon Injection: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider? 

• You should talk with your healthcare provider prior  to taking calcitonin salmon injection if you have: 
• Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) 
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives. 

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are: 

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant 
• Breastfeeding.

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

How Does Calcitonin Salmon Injection Work? 

Calcitonin salmon injection is a manufactured version of calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown. It is actually a synthetic version of calcitonin from salmon (known as calcitonin salmon), which is more potent and longer-acting than human calcitonin. The medicine works by slowing down the breakdown of bone. It  also appears  to have some activity as a pain reliever, independent of its effects on bone.
 
Calcitonin salmon injection works  to decrease blood calcium in several ways. First, it slows down  the rate at which bones breaks down, which decreases the release  of calcium from bone. Second, it increases the ability of the kidneys to excrete calcium into the urine, which helps clear calcium from the blood.
  
When and How to Take Calcitonin Salmon Injection 

General considerations  for when and how to take calcitonin salmon injection include the following:
As the name implies, the medication comes as an injection, given either just under the skin (subcutaneously)  or into the muscle (intramuscularly). 

• You can take  calcitonin salmon injection with  or without food. 
• You can take  calcitonin salmon injection at any time(s)  of the day, but it is  a good idea  to take it at the same time(s) each day. 
• If you or your caretaker will be administering the calcitonin salmon injections, you should give them just under the skin, rather than into the muscle. 
• Make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to give the injections. 

For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Calcitonin salmon injection will not work if you stop taking it. 
 
Dosing Information for Calcitonin Salmon Injection 

The dose of calcitonin salmon injection that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including: 

• The medical condition being treated 
• How you respond to  the medication 
• Your weight 
• Other medical conditions you  may have
• Other medications you may be currently taking. 

As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so. 

Drug Interactions with Calcitonin Salmon Injection 

Calcitonin salmon injection can potentially interact with a few different medications.
  
What If I Take an Overdose of Calcitonin Salmon Injection? 

It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose of calcitonin salmon injection. Potential effects could include: 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Low calcium in the blood 
• Muscle twitches or spasms 
• Seizures

An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). 
 
If you happen to overdose on calcitonin salmon injection, seek immediate medical attention.
  

How Should Calcitonin Salmon Injection Be Stored? 

Store calcitonin salmon injection in the refrigerator; be sure  to avoid freezing it. Keep  calcitonin salmon injection and all other medications out of the reach of children.
  
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Calcitonin Salmon Injection? 

If you do  not take  your calcitonin salmon injection as scheduled and remember on the same day, take  your missed dose as soon as  you remember. If it is almost time for  your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. 
 
Who Makes Calcitonin Salmon Injection? 

• Calcitonin salmon injection is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 
• Strengths of Calcitonin Salmon Injection 

Calcitonin salmon injection is available in one strength: calcitonin salmon 2 mL vials, with 200 IU (international units) per mL, for a total of 400 IU per vial. The medication does not come with needles or syringes; your healthcare provider can recommend the right needles and syringes for your particular situation. 
 
Generic Calcitonin Salmon Injection 

At this time, calcitonin salmon injection is not available in generic form 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited January 2, 2010)