Miacalcic nasal spray

How does it work?

Miacalcic nasal spray contains the active ingredient salmon calcitonin (previously known as salcatonin in the UK), which is a synthetic form of the natural hormone calcitonin.

Calcitonin is a hormone produced naturally by cells in the thyroid gland. It plays a part in controlling the amount of calcium in the body, by regulating the formation and breakdown of bone. Synthetic salmon calcitonin has the same effects as the natural human hormone and is used to prevent bone breakdown.

Bone is not a static structure. There is a continual turnover over bone in the body; bone is formed by cells called osteoblasts, and is broken down by cells called osteoclasts. In osteoporosis, the breakdown of bone becomes faster than the formation of bone. This causes the bones to become weak and brittle and prone to fracture.

Calcitonin works by inhibiting the action of the osteoclasts. This slows the increased breakdown of bone in osteoporosis, and therefore helps keep the bones strong.

Miacalcic nasal spray has been shown to reduce the risk of vertebral (spinal) fractures, but not hip fractures, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

When you administer Miacalcic nasal spray into the nose, the calcitonin is rapidly absorbed through the lining of the nose into the bloodstream.

You may be prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements to take in combination with this medicine.

What is it used for?

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Warning!

This medicine is for nasal use only. Follow the printed instructions you have been given with the medicine.

This medicine should be stored in a fridge at 2-8°C prior to opening. Do not freeze. Once open it can be kept at room temperature. The bottle should be kept upright at all times to reduce the risk of air getting into the dip tube.

Each container of this medicine should discarded four weeks after the first opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning to your pharmacy.

Your doctor should examine your nose to make sure you don't have any nasal complaints before you start treatment with this medicine. If you get any nosebleeds or notice any ulceration inside your nose during treatment, you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.

This medicine may cause allergic reactions in a small number of people. Your doctor may want to perform a skin test to check you are not allergic to the medicine before prescribing it. If you experience any of the following: skin rash, rapid heartbeat, faintness, breathing difficulties, a feeling of swelling in the throat or tightness in the chest, or if you collapse, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine might make you feel temporarily dizzy after you administer it into your nose, and this may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Not to be used in

Low level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Nasal irritation

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Sneezing

Dry nose

Nasal swelling

Ulceration in the nose

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)

Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)

Flushing

Dizziness

Headache

Alteration in taste

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain

Fatigue

Pain in muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain)

Visual disturbances

Swelling of the face

High blood pressure (hypertension)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no interactions reported with this medicine. However, you should always tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Miacalcic injection

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