Drug Notes

Calcitonin (By injection)

Calcitonin (kal-si-TOE-nin)

Treats bone pain and other symptoms of Paget disease, hypercalcemia, or osteoporosis.

Brand Name(s):

Miacalcin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into one of your muscles.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Do not use the medicine if it looks discolored or has particles in the liquid. Do not use the medicine if the vial is damaged.
• If you are using this medicine for osteoporosis or Paget disease , take calcium and vitamin D supplements every day.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how calcitonin works. Tell your doctor if you are using lithium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a low calcium level (hypocalcemia) or a vitamin D deficiency.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low calcium levels
  • Increased risk of cancer
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Muscle spasms or stiffness, anxiety, confusion, seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, hands, or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017