Calcitonin Injection

What is this medication?

CALCITONIN (kal si TOE nin) treats osteoporosis. It may also be used to treat Paget's disease of the bone. It works by making your bones stronger and less likely to break (fracture). It can also be used to treat high calcium levels in your body. It works by blocking the breakdown of bone calcium and helping your kidneys remove calcium from your blood through the urine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Miacalcin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bone cancer
• Low level of blood calcium
• An unusual or allergic reaction to calcitonin, fish, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin or into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

People over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Lithium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need bloodwork while taking this medication.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Ask if you need to take extra calcium or vitamin D while taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low calcium level—muscle pain or cramps, confusion, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Flushing
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.