Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray

Conditions Treated

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).

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Calcitonin salmon may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• runny nose
• nosebleed
• sinus pain
• nose symptoms such as crusts, dryness, redness, or swelling
• back pain
• joint pain
• upset stomach
• flushing (feeling of warmth)

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• hives
• skin rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the tongue or throat

Calcitonin salmon may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

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 carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. 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 talking to 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:

Allow the bottle to reach room temperature.

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:

Keep your head up and place the nozzle in one nostril.

Press down on the pump to release the calcitonin salmon.

Use the opposite nostril each day.

Each bottle has enough medication for 14 doses.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

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.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before using calcitonin salmon, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic 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. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.