Compare Miacalcin (Calcitonin) prices
Miacalcin (Calcitonin)
product information
Drug Uses
Miacalcin is used for treating Paget disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis (fragile or brittle bones), and high blood calcium levels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop using this medication or increase your dose without consulting your doctor.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Miacalcin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that acts primarily on bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling, whereby old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts, and new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Miacalcin inhibits bone removal by osteoclasts, and promotes bone formation by osteoblasts. In women with osteoporosis, the net result of using calcitonin is an increase in bone mass (density).
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose and are using 2 doses daily: take the missed dose if you remember within 2 hours of when you should have injected the dose. If you do not remember until later than 2 hours, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you are using 1 dose daily and miss a dose: take as soon as remembered unless you do not remember until the following day. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. If you use 1 dose every other day and miss a dose: take as soon as remembered if you remember the same day. If not, inject the dose on the "off" day and skip the next day. Then continue on with this schedule. If you use 1 dose daily on 3 days a week and miss a dose: take the missed dose on the next day and move each subsequent injection back a day for that week. Resume your usual schedule the next week. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Refrigerate between 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C). Do not freeze.
Warnings/Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, any allergies (especially drug allergies). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk; consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Possible Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting and flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. These effects may be relieved somewhat by taking the injection just before bedtime. Other side effects may include loss of appetite, salty taste, diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, fever, eye pain, itchy ear lobes, tender hands or feet, increased urination or redness or inflammation at the injection site. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chills, trouble breathing, hives or a skin rash. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
More Information
For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, vitamin D and calcium supplements may be recommended. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about this. Closely follow any dietary recommendations. While using this, your doctor may schedule lab tests to monitor the effects of the medication.