Uses
Calcitonin salmon injection is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and break more easily. Calcitonin salmon injection is also used to treat Paget’s disease of bone and to quickly reduce calcium levels in the blood when needed. Calcitonin is a human hormone that is also found in salmon. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).
Side Effects Of Calcitonin Salmon Injection
Calcitonin salmon may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- redness, swelling, or irritation at the site of injection
- flushing (feeling of warmth) of the face or hands
- increased urination at night
- itching of the ear lobes
- feverish feeling
- eye pain
- decreased appetite
- stomach pain
- swelling of the feet
- salty taste
Some side effects of calcitonin salmon injection can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- hives
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the tongue or throat
Calcitonin salmon may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using calcitonin salmon injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to calcitonin salmon or any other medications. Your doctor may do a skin test before you start calcitonin salmon to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to it.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using calcitonin salmon, call your doctor.
Calcitonin Salmon Injection Dosage
Calcitonin salmon comes as a solution to be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into the muscle (intramuscularly). It is usually used once a day or once every other day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use calcitonin salmon injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will show you how to administer the medication. Follow all directions carefully. Dispose of all empty syringes and vials as directed by your healthcare provider.
Before preparing a dose, look at the vial. If the solution is discolored or contains particles, do not use it, and call your pharmacist.
Calcitonin salmon helps treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone but does not cure them. Continue to use calcitonin salmon even if you feel well. Do not stop using calcitonin salmon without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to calcitonin salmon injection.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information have been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
