This medication is used to treat certain bone problems (e.g., Paget's disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis) and to reduce high blood levels of calcium. Calcitonin is a man-made hormone that works by slowing bone loss and maintaining normal calcium levels in the blood. It may also help to reduce bone pain in people who have Paget's disease.

This medication is given by injection under the skin or into a muscle. For the treatment of high calcium, you will usually use this medication every 12 hours. For the treatment of osteoporosis, you will usually use this medication every other day. For the treatment of Paget's disease, you will usually use this medication daily to every other day or as directed by your doctor. If you are using more than 2 milliliters of the medication at a time, it is recommended that you inject the medication into a muscle. Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the treatment of high calcium, the dosage is also based on weight.

Before injecting each dose, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Also, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin or in the muscle.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. If you are using this medication on a schedule other than every day (e.g., every other day), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Nausea, vomiting, or flushing may occur. Using this medication at bedtime may help to decrease these side effects. Swelling/redness at injection site, a salty taste in mouth, increased urination, or loss of appetite may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, swelling ankles/feet.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: muscle cramps/spasms, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Depending on the condition that you are treating, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., urine sediment, bone mineral density, calcium levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.