How does it work?

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. This medicine contains the active ingredient synthetic salmon calcitonin, which 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.

What is it used for?

Post menopausal osteoporosis

Warning!

This medicine 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.

This medicine is to be sprayed into the nostril(s) only.

This medicine should discarded four weeks after opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine.

This medicine should be stored in a fridge 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.

If you experience ulceration of your nose, with or without nosebleeds, stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.

This medicine may cause allergic reactions in a small number of people. 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.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

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.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not intended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Fatigue

Nasal congestion

Visual disturbances

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Dizziness

Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)

Flushing

Alteration in taste

Pain in muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain)

Dry nose

Sneezing

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

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)

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.

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