calcitonin (salmon) 200 unit/mL injection solution

Generic name:
Calcitonin salmon - injection

Pronunciation
(KAL-si-TOE-nin)

Brand name(s)
Calcimar , Miacalcin

This medication is used to treat certain bone problems (such as Paget's disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis) and to reduce high blood levels of calcium. Calcitonin is a man-made hormone that works by slowing bone loss and maintaining normal calcium levels in the blood. It may also help to reduce bone pain in people who have Paget's disease.

Inject this medication under the skin or into a muscle as directed by your doctor. If you are using more than 2 milliliters of the medication at a time, it is recommended that you inject the medication into a muscle.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the treatment of high calcium, the dosage is also based on weight. It is recommended to use this medication at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time to treat your condition. Patients treated long-term with this medication have shown a rare risk of developing cancer. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of long term treatment with this medication.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. If you are using this medication on a schedule other than every day (such as every other day), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

(See also How to Use section).

Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or flushing may occur. Using this medication at bedtime may help to decrease these side effects. Swelling/redness at injection site, a salty taste in mouth, increased urination, or loss of appetite may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• eye pain
• swelling ankles/feet
• muscle cramps/spasms
• numbness/tingling of the arms/legs

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• low level of calcium in the blood

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is:

• lithium

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as urine sediment, bone mineral density, calcium levels) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.