Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: CALCITONIN (KAL-si-TOE-nin)
This medicine is a polypeptide hormone used for treating osteoporosis (fragile or brittle bones) in certain women who have been past menopause for more than 5 years. It should be used along with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. AN EXTRA PATIENT LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. BEFORE PRIMING THE PUMP and using a new bottle, allow the medicine to reach room temperature. THE PUMP MUST BE PRIMED BEFORE THE FIRST USE of each new bottle. To prime the pump, hold the bottle upright and press the 2 white side arms toward the bottle until a faint spray is seen. Only prime the pump before the first use of a new bottle. USE THIS MEDICINE IN ONLY 1 NOSTRIL each day. Alternate nostrils every day. TO USE THIS MEDICINE, hold your head in the upright position. Place the nozzle of the pump into the nostril and press the pump firmly towards the bottle. It is not necessary to inhale while spraying this medicine. KEEP TRACK OF HOW MANY DOSES YOU USE from the bottle. Do not use more than 30 doses from one bottle, even if the bottle does not appear to be empty. After 30 doses, the pump may not deliver the correct amount of medicine with each spray. STORE NEW, UNASSEMBLED NASAL SPRAY BOTTLES in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Protect from freezing. STORE BOTTLES THAT ARE IN USE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in an upright position. Read the extra patient leaflet or ask your pharmacist to find out how long you can use this medicine after it has been opened. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. LAB TESTS, including urine tests and nasal examinations, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. FOLLOW THE DIET PROGRAM given to you by your health care provider. This medicine works better if used along with calcium and vitamin D. Ask your doctor about appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplements. THIS MEDICINE MAY INFREQUENTLY CAUSE FLUSHING. Check with your doctor if you develop flushing that is persistent or severe. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially runny nose or nasal irritation or redness. FOR WOMEN-FEEDING: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include back or joint pain; headache; runny nose; stuffy nose; or flushing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience nasal irritation, soreness, or pain; nosebleeds; or sores in nose. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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