Calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a well-balanced diet, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of tobacco products 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 medical professional may tell you that you need an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and to 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 prevention and/or treatment including: four bisphosphonate medications: [alendronate sodium [Fosamax], risedronate sodium [Actonel]),  ibandronate sodium [Boniva]), and zoledronic acid (Reclast)], calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin), estrogen therapy or hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo), Speak to your doctor or medical professional about the medication option that is right for you.

What is Calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin)?

Calcitonin-salmon is the generic name for Miacalcin (brand name). Miacalcin 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-salmon?

Calcitonin-salmon is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in women who have been postmenopausal for five or more years.

How is Miacalcin usually prescribed?

The usual dose of Miacalcin spray is 200 IU per day administered into the nose. It is recommended to spray Miacalcin into alternate nostrils daily. When taking Miacalcin spray, it is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of Miacalcin spray?

Studies have shown that Miacalcin decreases bone loss in the spine and slightly reduces the risk for spine fractures in osteoporotic women who have been menopausal for five or more years. There is no proof that Miacalcin reduces fractures anywhere else besides the spine. Miacalcin may have some pain relief properties following spine fracture. Miacalcin affects bone only and will not change your risk for other diseases.

What are the side effects of taking Miacalcin nasal spray?

Miacalcin 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 medical professional. For more information about Miacalcin visit the Novartis website; www.miacalcin.com