Calcitonin is used to treat Paget's disease (a painful bone condition which can cause abnormal bone growth and deformity). It helps to regulate the growth of bone in patients with this disease.
Calcitonin is used to strengthen thin and weak bones in people who have or are at risk of osteoporosis. It helps to stop the loss of bone and also helps to increase bone mass.
Inject Calcitonin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not inject more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you are hospitalised, your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. This will usually be given as an intramuscular injection into the muscles of the buttocks.
If your doctor has asked you to inject Calcitonin on your own at home, follow his instructions carefully. Your doctor or nurse will teach you exactly how to prepare the injection and inject yourself. Your doctor will usually advise you to inject subcutaneously ( into the fatty layer under the skin), usually in the thigh or abdomen area. Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject within a 1 inch radius of the navel (belly button).
If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not inject Calcitonin straight from the refrigerator. Allow the injection to reach room temperature before injecting yourself. This will minimise the pain and discomfort experienced during the injection.
Calcitonin must be injected regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Calcitonin even when you feel better and do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your injection, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have unusually low levels of calcium in the blood as Calcitonin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you suffer have heart disease or kidney disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your doctor will carry out a skin test before starting you on Calcitonin.
For as long as you are using Calcitonin, you will need to have blood and urine tests to monitor your condition. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Calcitonin. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Calcitonin may cause any of the following side effects: tiredness, dizziness or transient blurred vision.
If you feel tired, dizzy or if your vision is affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or be able to see clearly.
You may also experience nausea, vomiting and flushing of the face and neck soon after you have received the injection. To minimise this problem, administer the injection at bedtime after your dinner.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- heart medicine e.g. digoxin
- high blood pressure medicines e.g. amlodipine, diltiazem
- lithium (mood medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that interact with Calcitonin.
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not allow to freeze. If you notice that the injection has become frozen, throw it away and open a new bottle. Frozen injections of Calcitonin are no longer effective and should not be used.
Once opened, use the ampoules immediately. Throw away any solution that is not used.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Keep away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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