What is Fortical?
Fortical is the synthetic version of a thyroid hormone found naturally in the gland. Fortical Nasal Spray can be used to treat osteoporosis among women who are in menopause and have been for at least five years. It should be taken along with adequate vitamin D and calcium intake. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Fortical.
Warnings
Before you receive your first dose, your doctor will perform an allergy test to ensure that you are not allergic. Tell your doctor before using Fortical if you suffer from nasal or sinus issues such as deformities in the nose, chronic infections, or pains in the nasal cavity. Fortical should not be used with other nasal sprays or medications unless you have been told to do so by your doctor. If you experience any kind of severe nasal irritation or feel faint or light-headed, call your doctor immediately. It is more common to experience less serious nasal irritation, such as minor bleeding or redness. Your doctor may check your nasal passages frequently to ensure that Fortical does not cause harmful side effects. Visit your doctor regularly.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to salmon calcitonin.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Fortical is safe:
- Hypercalcemia is a condition where there are high calcium levels in the blood.
- Any nasal or sinus problem, such as nasal deformities or chronic infections,
Fortical can increase your risk of certain cancers. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. Fortical is in FDA pregnancy category C. There is no information on whether Fortical can harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. We do not know if calcitonin nasal can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Fortical?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or use it for longer than recommended. Before you take your first dose, your doctor will perform an allergy test to make sure that you are not allergic. Fortical comes with instructions to ensure safe and effective usage. Please follow these instructions carefully. If you have questions, it is always a good idea to reach out directly to either your doctor or pharmacist. Keep unopened bottles of Fortical in your refrigerator, but don't let them freeze. After you have assembled the bottle with the pump, you can store the medication at room temperature, away from heat and light. Store the bottle with the attached pump upright. You must prime the spray before using the bottle and pump. Let the medicine reach room temperature prior to priming. Press the pump five times or more until you see a fine mist. Only prime the spray before the first time you use the newly assembled bottle.
How to use nasal spray
- Blow your nose softly. Insert the tip of the bottle into your nostril while keeping your head up. The nasal spray should be held upright by placing your first and second fingers on either side of the pump and your thumb at the bottom.
- The medicine will be sprayed into your nose by pressing the spray unit hard. There is no need to inhale or sniff deeply.
- After using nasal spray, do not blow your nose.
- If you spray the product in your mouth, eyes, or skin and it gets into your eyes or your mouth, rinse immediately with water.
Fortical is typically sprayed into one nostril per day. The next day, spray the other nostril and repeat the process. The spray is a fine mist that goes into the nostrils. The medication will still be absorbed into your nasal passages, even if you don't feel it. Fortical is available in 30 doses per bottle. After 30 uses, throw away the medicine, even if it is still in the bottle. Your doctor may check your nasal passages frequently to ensure that this medication does not cause harmful side effects. You may be prescribed extra vitamin D by your doctor while using Fortical. Only take the prescribed amount of vitamin D.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not use any other nasal sprays, nasal medications, or nasal sprays at the same time as Fortical unless you have been told to by your doctor.
Side effects of Fortical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, rapid heartbeats, feeling lightheaded, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Severe nasal irritation;
- Low levels of calcium can cause numbness, tingling, a rapid heartbeat, muscle contractions, or tightness.
Some of the common side effects associated with Fortical include:
- Bleeding from the nose
- Runny or stuffy nasal
- Dryness, itching, or general discomfort in your nose
- You may have crusting, scabs, or sores on your nose.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements, may also interact with calcitonin. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.
