Brand name:
Miacalcin
Pronounced: my-ah-CAL-sin
Generic name:
Calcitonin-salmon
Why is Miacalcin prescribed?
Miacalcin is a synthetic form of calcitonin, a naturally
occurring hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Miacalcin reduces
the rate of calcium loss from bones. Since less calcium passes from
the bones to the blood, Miacalcin also helps control blood calcium
levels.
Miacalcin Nasal Spray is used to treat postmenopausal
osteoporosis (bone loss occurring after menopause) in women who
cannot or will not take estrogen.
Most important fact about Miacalcin
Although no allergic reactions have been reported with Miacalcin
Nasal Spray, calcitonin-salmon, has been reported to cause serious
allergic reactions (such as shock, difficulty breathing, wheezing,
and swelling of the throat or tongue) in a few people. The
possibility exists for such a reaction with the nasal spray. Your
doctor may give you a skin test to see if you are allergic to
calcitonin-salmon.
How should you take Miacalcin?
Spray Miacalcin into one nostril one day, the other the next.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for activating the pump
before the first dose.
Keep your head upright. Put the nozzle into your nostril and
depress the pump toward the bottle.
Be sure your diet provides enough calcium and vitamin D. Foods
that are good sources of calcium include dairy products (such as
milk and cheese) and fish. Good sources of vitamin D include fish
(such as salmon, sardines, and tuna), liver, and dairy products.
Sunlight is an indirect source of vitamin D.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. Never take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store the unopened medication in the refrigerator. Protect from
freezing. Before you prime the pump and open a new bottle, let it
come to room temperature. You can keep the bottle at room
temperature for 30 days; be sure it stays upright.
Miacalcin side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Miacalcin
Nasal Spray.
- Side effects may include:
Back pain,
headache,
joint pain,
nasal inflammation,
nasal symptoms (crusts,
dryness,
redness,
sores,
irritation,
itching,
thick feeling,
soreness,
paleness,
infection,
narrowing of passages,
runny or blocked nose,
small wounds,
bleeding wound,
uncomfortable feeling),
nosebleed
Why should Miacalcin not be prescribed?
You should not be using Miacalcin if you are allergic to
calcitonin-salmon.
Special warnings about Miacalcin
Your doctor will examine your nose before you use Miacalcin Nasal
Spray and periodically while you are using it.
If your nose becomes very irritated, notify your doctor.
Miacalcin may cause small wounds or ulcers in your nose.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Miacalcin
There are no interactions listed for Miacalcin. However, people
with Paget's disease of bone who have taken certain drugs such as
Didronel may find that Miacalcin Nasal Spray is not working as well
as it should.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of calcitonin-salmon in pregnancy have not been
adequately studied, but use of Miacalcin Nasal Spray if you are
pregnant is not recommended.
It is not known whether Miacalcin appears in breast milk. Women
are usually advised not to use Miacalcin while breastfeeding an
infant.
Recommended dosage for Miacalcin
The usual dose is 1 spray (200 I.U.) a day, sprayed into the
nose. Alternate nostrils. Ask your doctor about taking supplemental
vitamin D and calcium.
Miacalcin Nasal Spray should not be used by children.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
- Symptoms of Miacalcin overdose may include:
Spasms
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