Indicated for: osteoporosis; hypercalcemia
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: calcitonin (hormone)
ATC: H05BA01 (Systemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins | Anti-parathyroid agents | Calcitonin preparations)
Use during breastfeeding only on medical advice.
Use during pregnancy only on medical advice.
Calcitonin is a hormone primarily used for the treatment of Paget's disease, osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia. This hormone helps regulate blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.
Calcitonin is available as injections or nasal spray and is derived either from synthetic sources or fish, such as salmon. The salmon-derived form is more potent than human calcitonin.
Treatment with calcitonin can help reduce bone pain associated with the mentioned conditions, thus improving patients' quality of life. It is often used as an adjunct therapy in combination with other medications.
Side effects may include nausea, facial flushing, nasal irritation (in the case of the spray), or allergic reactions. Long-term use is limited due to the risk of cancer associated with prolonged treatment.