calcitonin nasal

What is the most important information I should know about calcitonin nasal?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is calcitonin nasal?

Calcitonin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the thyroid gland.

Calcitonin nasal is used to treat osteoporosis in women who have been in menopause for at least 5 years.

Calcitonin nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using calcitonin nasal?

To make sure calcitonin nasal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
• any nasal or sinus problems such as nasal deformities, a chronic infection, or nasal pain.

Using calcitonin nasal may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

How should I use calcitonin nasal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Calcitonin nasal comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Before your first use of the assembled bottle and pump, you must prime the spray. Allow the medicine to reach room temperature before priming.

To prime calcitonin nasal, press the pump at least 5 times until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray only before your first use of the newly assembled bottle.

To use the nasal spray:

• Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of bottle into one nostril. Hold the nasal spray upright with your first and second fingers on each side of the pump and your thumb on the bottom of the bottle.
• Pump the spray unit firmly to spray the medicine into your nostril. You do not need to sniff or inhale deeply.
• Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.
• If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water.

Calcitonin nasal is usually given as one spray per day into only one of your nostrils. Use the other nostril the next day and continue alternating back and forth for each daily dose.

Each bottle contains 30 doses of calcitonin nasal. Throw away the medicine after 30 uses, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful side effects to the inside of your nose, your doctor may want to check your nasal passages often.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin D while you are using calcitonin nasal. Take only the amount of vitamin D that your doctor has prescribed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using calcitonin nasal?

Avoid using any other nasal sprays or nasal medicines at the same time you use calcitonin nasal unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of calcitonin nasal?

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• severe nasal irritation; or
• low levels of calcium in your blood --numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Common side effects may include:

• bleeding from your nose;
• runny or stuffy nose;
• dryness, itching, tenderness, or general discomfort of your nose; or
• crusting, scabs, or sores inside your nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect calcitonin nasal?

Other drugs may interact with calcitonin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about calcitonin nasal.