II. Physiology
- Peptide Hormone, secreted by parafollicular cells of the Thyroid Gland
- Secreted in response to Hypercalcemia
- Lowers Serum Calcium levels (esp. in children)
- Decreases Osteoclast formation and bone resorptive activity (bone breakdown)
- Increases renal Calcium excretion
- Weakly opposes Parathyroid Hormone
III. Indications: Osteoporosis
- Weak Osteoporosis Management alternative for women not on Estrogen Replacement
- Painful Vertebral osteoporotic Fracture
IV. Efficacy
- Not as effective as Estrogen Replacement
- Reduces Vertebral Fractures 30-60% for >2 years
- Increases BMD of spine 3% in osteoporotic women
V. Preparations
- Calcitonin-Salmon
- Dosing: 100 IU SQ/IM daily ($195/mo)
- Miacalcin
- Dosing: 200 IU (1 spray) intranasally daily in alternating nares ($50/mo)
VI. Precautions
- Anaphylaxis risk (use test dose in clinic)
- Possible increased risk of cancer
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Related Studies
| calcitonin (on 12/21/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| CALCITONIN-SALMON 200 UNITS SP | Generic | $11.03 per ml |