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calcitonin

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Brand names: Miacalcin, Fortical

Calcitonin (Nasal/Injectable) Rx

Calcitonin is a medicine that helps manage calcium levels in your body. It comes as a nasal spray or an injection.

What it does

This medicine is used to treat certain bone conditions.

Common side effects

No common side effects listed.

Key warnings

There are no boxed warnings in the provided data.

How It Works

Calcitonin is a hormone that lowers calcium levels in your blood. It works by slowing down the breakdown of bone. This helps to keep calcium in your bones and out of your bloodstream.

How to Take It

If you are 12 years or older, take 20 drops in a little water, two times per day. If you are between 6 and 12 years old, take 10 drops in a little water, two times per day. If you are under 6 years old, take 5 drops in a glass of water, two times per day. Take this medicine 15 minutes before meals.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There is no pregnancy or breastfeeding information in the provided data.

Missed Dose

There is no missed dose information in the provided data.

Storage

There are no specific storage instructions in the provided data.

Serious Warnings

There are no boxed warnings in the provided data.

Known Drug Interactions

7.1 Aminoglycosides and Calcitonin Caution is advised when bisphosphonates are administered with aminoglycosides or calcitonin, since these agents may have an additive effect to lower serum calcium level for prolonged periods.

Mechanism: Both of these medicines lower the amount of calcium in your blood. Taking them together can cause your calcium levels to drop too low for a long time.

What to do: Your doctor will likely check your blood calcium levels regularly. You may need to take calcium supplements while using these drugs.

Common Questions

What is calcitonin used for?
It is used to treat certain bone conditions and manage high calcium levels.
How often should I take calcitonin?
You should take it two times per day.
Should I take calcitonin with food?
Take this medicine 15 minutes before meals.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
There is no information about missed doses in the provided data.
How should I store calcitonin?
There is no storage information in the provided data.
Can children take calcitonin?
Yes, the dosage varies depending on the child's age.
What is the adult dosage for calcitonin?
Adults and children 12 years and older should take 20 drops in a little water, two times per day.
Are there any serious warnings I should know about?
There are no boxed warnings in the provided data.
Is calcitonin safe to take during pregnancy?
There is no pregnancy information in the provided data.
What does calcitonin do in my body?
It lowers calcium levels in your blood by slowing down the breakdown of bone.
Does calcitonin interact with other medications?
Yes, calcitonin has 1 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include zoledronic acid. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What drug class is calcitonin?
calcitonin belongs to the Calcitonin (Nasal/Injectable) drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). This medicine is used to treat certain bone conditions.
Is calcitonin safe during pregnancy?
There is no pregnancy or breastfeeding information in the provided data.. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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What the FDA Data Shows for calcitonin

The FDA label for calcitonin (sold under brand names such as Miacalcin, Fortical) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Calcitonin (Nasal/Injectable) class. This medicine is used to treat certain bone conditions. Labeling covers dosing, contraindications, and monitoring requirements derived from clinical trials.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. Voluntary reports accumulate over the lifetime of a drug and reflect wide-ranging clinical use. The database also lists 1 documented drug interaction derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated moderate severity. Acquisition-cost data is surveyed weekly by CMS and updated as manufacturers report changes.

Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: November 14, 2022

All federal data sources used on this page