What is Calcitonin Salmon: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jan 12, 2021

Calcitonin Salmon overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Miacalcin, Miacalcin, Fortical

Generic Names:

  • Calcitonin (Salmon)

Uses:

  • Treats osteoporosis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Calcium Regulator

Forms:

  • Spray

How it’s taken:

  • Into the nose

What is Calcitonin Salmon used for?

Calcitonin is used to treat bone loss due to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis causes bones to become soft, brittle and break more easily. Calcitonin is found in salmon and it works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone thickness. This medication may also be used to treat hypercalcemia, osteogenesis imperfecta and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Calcitonin is available in the form of a spray.

What form(s) does Calcitonin Salmon come in

  • Spray

What are common Calcitonin Salmon doses?

  • Bottle 3.7000000476837158ML of 200UNIT/ACT

Common Calcitonin Salmon prescriptions

  • Calcitonin (Salmon)
    3.7ml of 200unit/act bottle

  • Calcitonin (Salmon)
    2ml of 200unit/ml vial

How to take Calcitonin Salmon

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • This medicine is used in only 1 nostril each day. It is best to change which nostril you use each day.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Always remove a new bottle of medicine from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before you use it.

  • You will need to prime the spray the first time you use the bottle. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle at least 5 times until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. You do not need to prime the bottle before each use.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

  • Each spray bottle contains 30 doses of the medicine. Keep track of the doses you use. Throw away the bottle after 30 doses, even if it is not completely empty.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store the opened bottle in an upright position at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Always remove a new bottle of medicine from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before you use it.

  • Each spray bottle contains 30 doses of the medicine. Keep track of the doses you use. Throw away the bottle after 30 doses, even if it is not completely empty.

  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store the opened bottle in an upright position at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine is used in only 1 nostril each day. It is best to change which nostril you use each day.

  • You will need to prime the spray the first time you use the bottle. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle at least 5 times until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. You do not need to prime the bottle before each use.

What to do if you miss a dose of Calcitonin Salmon

Calcitonin Salmon contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to calcitonin.

Calcitonin Salmon warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a vitamin D deficiency.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low calcium levels in your bloodPainful and serious irritation in your noseIncreased risk of cancer

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor may also check your nose before and during treatment with this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Calcitonin Salmon interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how calcitonin works. Tell your doctor if you are using lithium.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low calcium levels in your bloodPainful and serious irritation in your noseIncreased risk of cancer

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor may also check your nose before and during treatment with this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Calcitonin Salmon side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing, heavy nosebleeds

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Muscle cramps or spasms, numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth, confusion, seizures

  • Severe sores, crusting, redness, or irritation in your nose

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Mild itching, dryness, or tenderness in your nose

  • Light bleeding from your nose

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