Calcitonin

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
calcitonin-salmon	Calcimar, Miacalcin

How It Works

Calcitonin is a hormone that is used to decrease bone destruction caused by cancer that has spread (metastatic cancer). It also has some direct pain-relieving actions. It is given as a shot or as a nasal spray.

Why It Is Used

Calcitonin helps decrease bone pain caused by metastatic cancer.

How Well It Works

Calcitonin helps relieve bone pain caused by metastatic cancer. But the benefits of calcitonin may take many weeks to notice, and they often go away soon after the medication is stopped.

Side Effects

Side effects of calcitonin are not common but can include:

• Redness, tenderness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Decreased appetite.
• Stomach pain.
• Unusual taste sensation, such as a salty or metallic taste.
• Increased urination.
• Flushing of the face, ears, hands, or feet.
• Tingling or tenderness of palms of hands or soles of feet.
• Headache.
• Nasal congestion.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Chills.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

The benefits of calcitonin usually go away soon after you stop taking it.

Calcitonin should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Calcitonin should not be given to children.

Injections of calcitonin must be taken daily or at least several times a week. You or a family member usually will learn how to give the shot properly. It is important not to give the shot in the same place twice in a row, because this could damage your muscle tissue.

Calcitonin as a nasal spray must be used several times a week.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Carrie Henley Cynthia Tank	Last Updated: March 9, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
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