Why is this medication prescribed?
Calcitonin is a hormone used to treat symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone, hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone weakening). This medicine is often ordered for cancer patients experiencing bone pain due to metastasis.
This medication works by reducing the breakdown of bones. It causes less bone tissue to be reabsorbed, slowing the rate of bone destruction and decreases the amount of calcium released into the blood.
It is sold under the brand name Calcimar® in the United States.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?