Drug Detail:Miacalcin nasal spray (Calcitonin-salmon [ kal-si-toe-nin ])
Generic Name: Calcitonin Injection [ kal-si-TOE-nin ]
Drug Class: Calcitonin
Uses of Miacalcin:
- It is used to treat Paget's disease.
- It is used to treat high calcium levels.
- It is used to treat soft, brittle bones (osteoporosis) in women who have been through menopause (change of life).
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Miacalcin?
- If you have an allergy to calcitonin or any other part of Miacalcin (calcitonin injection).
- If you are allergic to Miacalcin (calcitonin injection); any part of Miacalcin (calcitonin injection); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have low calcium levels.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Miacalcin (calcitonin injection).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Miacalcin (calcitonin injection) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Miacalcin?
For all uses of Miacalcin (calcitonin injection):
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Miacalcin (calcitonin injection). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Have your urine checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- This medicine may add to the chance of getting some types of cancer. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
For Paget's disease or osteoporosis:
- Take calcium and vitamin D as you were told by your doctor.
How is this medicine (Miacalcin) best taken?
Use Miacalcin (calcitonin injection) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin or a muscle.
- If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- Do not use if solution changes color.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of low calcium levels like muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling, or seizures.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- Dizziness or passing out.
What are some other side effects of Miacalcin?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Flushing.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Miacalcin?
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Miacalcin (calcitonin injection), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.