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Miacalcin

Generic name: Fortical and Miacalcin are brand names of calcitonin salmon.
Brand names: Fortical, Miacalcin Nasal
Drug class: calcitonin

What is Miacalcin?

Miacalcin, a synthetic form of the hormone found naturally in thyroid glands, is manufactured by humans. Miacalcin is a nasal spray used for treating osteoporosis among women in the menopause after at least five years. The nasal spray should be taken along with adequate vitamin D and calcium intake. Miacalcin nose spray is only recommended for those patients who are unable to receive alternative treatment, e.g., patients who do not respond to other therapies or are unwilling or intolerant of other treatments.

Warnings

Before you receive your first dose, your doctor will perform an allergy test to make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction to miacalcin. Tell your doctor before using Miacalcin if you suffer from nasal problems or sinus issues, such as deformities in the nose, chronic infections, or pains. Miacalcin should not be used with other medicines or nasal sprays unless you have been told by your doctor to do so.If you experience any kind of nose irritation or feel dizzy or lightheaded, call your doctor immediately.It is likely that a less serious irritation will occur. This may include minor bleeding, redness, or tenderness.Your doctor will want to examine your nasal passages frequently to ensure that miacalcin does not cause harmful side effects. Visit your doctor regularly.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to salmon calcitonin, then this nasal spray, Miacalcin, is not for you.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Miacalcin will be safe for you:

  • 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,.

Miacalcin can increase the risk of certain cancers. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. Miacalcin is in FDA category C. There are no known risks to an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor.We do not know if calcitonin can pass into breast milk or harm nursing babies. Breastfeeding women must not use this medicine.

How to take Miacalcin?

Follow the directions on your prescription label to use Miacalcin nasal spray. 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're not allergic. Miacalcin is supplied with instructions to ensure safe and efficient use. Please follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Miacalcin should be stored in the fridge, but not frozen. After you have assembled the pump and bottle, it is safe to store the medication at room temperature, away from heat and light. The bottle should be stored upright with the attached pump. You must prime the spray before using the bottle. Let the medication reach room temperature prior to priming. Press the Miacalcin pump five times or more until you see a fine spray. Only prime the spray before the first time you use the freshly assembled bottle.

How to use nasal spray

  • Blowing your nose is easy. Insert the bottle tip into your nostril while keeping your head up. The nasal spray should be held upright, with the first two fingers of each hand on either side of the pump. Your thumb is on the bottom.
  • The medicine will be sprayed into your nose by pressing the unit hard. There is no need to inhale or sniff deeply.
  • After using nasal spray, do not blow your nose for at least several minutes.
  • Rinse with water if the spray gets into your eyes, mouth, or skin.

Miacalcin can be sprayed into one nostril only once per day. The next day, spray the opposite nostril and alternate back and forth between the two. Miacalcin Spray delivers a fine spray into the nostrils. The medication will still be absorbed into your nasal passages, even if you don't feel it. Miacalcin is contained in each bottle. After 30 doses, throw away the medication, even if it is still in the bottle. Your doctor will want to examine your nasal passages frequently to ensure that this drug isn't causing any harmful effects. You may be prescribed extra vitamin D by your doctor if you use miacalcin. Only take the prescribed amount of vitamin D.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as possible, take the dose you missed. If the next dose is approaching quickly, skip any missed ones and wait. You should not take extra medication 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 nasal sprays, nasal medications, or other products at the same time as Miacalcin without your doctor's permission.

Side effects of Miacalcin

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to miacalcin, seek emergency medical attention: Hives, rapid heartbeats, feeling lightheaded, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, 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, or rapid heartbeat; tightness in the muscles; or overactive reflexes.

Miacalcin may cause side effects such as:

  • Bleeding from the nose
  • Runny or stuffy nasal
  • Dryness, itching, or tenderness of the nose.
  • You may have crusting or sores on your nose.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

In addition to prescription drugs, herbal and vitamin products, and over-the-counter medications, calcitonin can interact with other drugs. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.