• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is calcitonin nasal?
Calcitonin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the thyroid gland. Calcitonin nasal is used to treat osteoporosis in women who have been in menopause for at least 5 years. Calcitonin nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of calcitonin nasal?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting; or

• severe nasal irritation.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• bleeding from your nose;

• runny or stuffy nose;

• dryness, itching, tenderness, or general discomfort of your nose;

• crusting, scabs, or sores inside your nose;

• redness in or around your nose;

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;

• headache;

• back pain; or

• nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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How should I use calcitonin nasal?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. To make sure you are not allergic to this medication, your doctor may perform an allergy skin test before your first dose of calcitonin nasal. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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What is the most important information I should know about calcitonin nasal?
To make sure you are not allergic to this medication, your doctor may perform an allergy skin test before your first dose of calcitonin nasal. Before using calcitonin nasal, tell your doctor if you have any nasal or sinus problems such as nasal deformities, a chronic infection, or nasal pain. Avoid using any other nasal sprays or medicines at the same time you use calcitonin nasal unless your doctor has told you to. Call your doctor at once if you have any type of severe irritation of your nose, or if you feel light-headed or faint.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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What other drugs will affect calcitonin nasal?
There may be other drugs that can interact with calcitonin nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Calcitonin nasal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether calcitonin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether calcitonin nasal passes into breast milk. Do not use calcitonin nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of calcitonin nasal is not likely to produce life-threatening side effects.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using calcitonin nasal?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to salmon calcitonin. Before using calcitonin nasal, tell your doctor if you have any nasal or sinus problems such as nasal deformities, a chronic infection, or nasal pain. Calcitonin nasal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether calcitonin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether calcitonin nasal passes into breast milk. Do not use calcitonin nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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