Calcitonin (Fortical or Miacalcin)
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always
include a nutrient-rich diet, the recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D,
regular physical activity, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of
smoking and limited consumption of alcohol. If osteoporosis is
diagnosed, you still must continue to make bone healthy lifestyle
choices. However, lifestyle modifications alone are often not enough.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe an osteoporosis
medication to help stop further bone loss and reduce your risk for
broken bones.
What are the medication options for osteoporosis?
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several
medications for osteoporosis which fall into two classes: antiresorptive medications and anabolic medications. Antiresorptive medications are used to strengthen bone, prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture (broken bone).
The antiresorptive medications include a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.The four bisphosphonate medications are:
- alendronate - available as a generic medication (Brand name: Fosamax, Fosamax D)
- risedronate (Brand name: Actonel, Actonel with Calcium )
- ibandronate ( Brand name: Boniva)
- zoledronic acid (Brand name: Reclast)
Other approved antiresorptive medications include:
Anabolic medication builds new bone, increases bone density and helps reduce fracture risk. At this time the only approved anabolic medication is:
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about the medication option that is right for you.
What is calcitonin?
Calcitonin (Salmon calcitonin)
is the generic name for Miacalcin or Fortical (brand names). Calcitonin is a hormone
that is usually prescribed as a nasal spray. It is also available but
no longer commonly prescribed as an injection.
What is the use for calcitonin?
Calcitonin is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in women who are at least five years past menopause.
How is calcitonin usually prescribed?
The
usual dose of calcitonin is 200 IU per day taken as a nasal spray. It is recommended to spray calcitonin into alternate nostrils
daily. When taking calcitonin, it is necessary to get
the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D each day. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of strong bones.
What are the benefits of calcitonin?
Studies
have shown that calcitonin decreases bone loss in the spine and slightly
reduces the risk of spine fractures in women with osteoporosis who are at least five years past menopause. There is no evidence that calcitonin reduces fractures at any other site besides the
spine. Calcitonin may have some pain relief properties following
a spine fracture. Calcitonin only affects the bones and will not change your
risk for other diseases.
What are the side effects of taking calcitonin nasal spray?
Calcitonin nasal spray is a medication with few side effects and no serious
adverse effects. The possible side effects such as runny nose, nose
bleeds and nose pain tends to be mild.
Like all medications,
it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of
taking this medication with your healthcare provider. For more
information about calcitonin visit the Novartis website or the Upsher Smith Laboratories,Inc. website
|
