Calcitonin salmon nasal spray

O  General Information and Indications:

Calcitonin salmon is used to treat osteoporosis in women who are at least 5 years past menopause and cannot or do not want to take estrogen products. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and break more easily. Calcitonin is a human hormone that is also found in salmon. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

O  Information For Users:

Calcitonin salmon comes as a spray to be used in the nose. It is usually used once a day, alternating nostrils every day. To help you remember to use calcitonin salmon, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Use calcitonin salmon exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Calcitonin salmon helps treat osteoporosis but does not cure it. Continue to use calcitonin salmon even if you feel well. Do not stop using calcitonin salmon without informing your doctor.

Before using calcitonin salmon nasal spray the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Practice using the nasal spray while he or she watches.

To put the pump and bottle together, remove the rubber stopper from the bottle, and then remove the plastic protective cap from the bottom of the spray unit. Put the spray pump into the bottle and turn to tighten. Then take the plastic cover off of the top of the spray unit.

Before the first time you use a new bottle, you need to prime (activate) the pump. To prime the pump, follow these steps:

o Allow the bottle to reach room temperature.
o Hold the bottle upright, and press down on the two white side arms of the pump until a full spray is produced. The pump is now primed.

To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:

o Keep your head up and place the nozzle in one nostril.
o Press down on the pump to release the calcitonin salmon.
o Use the opposite nostril each day.
o Each bottle has enough medication for 14 doses.

O  Special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to calcitonin salmon or any other medications. Your doctor may do a skin test before you start calcitonin salmon to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to it.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using calcitonin salmon, call your doctor.

It is important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are using calcitonin salmon. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not enough.

O  Possible Adverse Effects:

Calcitonin salmon may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o runny nose
o nosebleed (epistaxis)
o sinus pain
o nose symptoms such as crusts, dryness, redness, or swelling
o back pain
o joint pain
o upset stomach
o flushing

Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:

o hives (Urticaria)
o skin rash
o itching
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o swelling of the tongue or throat

O  Brand Name(s):

o Miacalcin®