provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Calcitonin Salmon Coupon - Calcitonin Salmon 3.7ml of 200iu/spray nasal spray

calcitonin salmon

Generic Miacalcin
Used for Osteoporosis
Used for Osteoporosis

Calcitonin salmon is a synthetic (man-made) hormone available as a nasal spray. It's used to treat osteoporosis in women who have already gone through menopause (postmenopause). The medication is typically taken once a day by alternating between nostrils each day. Common side effects include back pain and nose symptoms, like runny nose, irritation, and bleeding. The nasal spray used to be available under the brand name Miacalcin, but now only comes as a generic version.

Last reviewed on June 4, 2023
basics-icon

What is Calcitonin salmon?

What is Calcitonin salmon used for?

  • Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

How Calcitonin salmon works

Calcitonin salmon is a calcitonin receptor agonist. Since it acts like a natural hormone in your body called calcitonin, it works mainly on the bone to prevent bone breakdown.

Are you looking for information on calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) injection instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMiacalcin (brand no longer available for nasal spray)
Drug ClassCalcitonin receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$115.81(save 72.32%)
GoodRx discount
$32.05
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Calcitonin salmon?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Runny nose (12%)
  • Nose irritation, dryness, redness (11%)
  • Back pain (5%)
  • Joint pain (4%)
  • Bloody nose (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Sinus infection
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Watery eyes

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Crusting, patches, or sores inside the nose

dryness, itching, redness, swelling, tenderness, or other signs of nasal irritation not present before use of this medicine

headaches (severe or continuing)

nosebleeds

runny nose

sneezing

stuffy nose

Less common

Bloody or cloudy urine

chills

cough

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with breathing or wheezing (severe)

dizziness

fever

frequent urge to urinate

head congestion

loss of sense of smell

sore throat

swollen glands

Rare

Hair loss

hives, itching, or skin rash

increased thirst

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

taste disturbances

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blurred vision

confusion

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

fainting

increased sweating

irregular heartbeats

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet

pain or tightness in the chest

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rapid weight gain

seizures

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain

joint pain

Less common or rare

Abdominal or stomach pain

body aches

burning, dry, or itching eyes

constipation

flushing

mental depression

muscle pain

nausea

unusual tearing of the eyes

upset stomach

Incidence not known

Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

hearing loss

trouble hearing

trouble seeing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Calcitonin salmon

thumbs-up

Pros

Only need to use it once a day

Can store a used bottle at room temperature for about a month

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment option for postmenopausal osteoporosis

Can lead to low calcium levels

Might raise the risk of certain cancers

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Calcitonin salmon

pharmacist
  • Follow the Instructions for Use on how to use calcitonin salmon properly and clean your nasal spray bottle. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe your spray pump once or twice a week. Dry it with a clean cloth afterwards.

    • Store new, unopened calcitonin salmon spray bottles in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them. Don't freeze them because this could damage the medication.

      • When you're ready to use a new calcitonin salmon bottle, first take it out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature. Don't shake it.

        • Each new calcitonin salmon bottle will need to be primed before using it for the first time. To do this, spray the bottle into the air until a full spray comes out. Afterwards, you won't need to prime the bottle each time you use it.

          • After opening, keep your calcitonin salmon nasal spray bottle upright at room temperature. You can store the 2 mL bottle for up to 30 days and the 3.7 mL bottle for up to 35 days.

            • Throw away the calcitonin salmon spray bottle after using 14 doses for the 2 mL bottle, or 30 doses for the 3.7 mL bottle. Even though the bottle might not feel empty, there isn't enough medication left to provide the complete dose with each spray.

              • Tell your provider if you're taking lithium (Lithobid), since calcitonin salmon might lower the amount of lithium in your body and cause it to work less well.

                • Keep your follow-up appointments with your provider to make sure calcitonin salmon is still working well for you. It's possible that this medication won't work as well over time.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Calcitonin salmon

                  Where is calcitonin salmon produced?
                  Calcitonin is a hormone that's naturally produced in your thyroid gland. It works in your body to help lower calcium levels in the blood. One of the ways it does this is by blocking certain cells from breaking down bone and releasing calcium into the blood. Calcitonin salmon is a man-made version of the natural hormone found in your body so it works in the same way.
                  Is calcitonin salmon from salmon?
                  No, calcitonin salmon isn't made from salmon. It's a synthetic (man-made) hormone that's similar to the calcitonin hormone made in salmon. The calcitonin hormone that's produced in salmon is quite different from the one made in humans, and it's known to be stronger.
                  How many sprays are in calcitonin salmon nasal spray?
                  Calcitonin salmon is available as a 2 mL or 3.7 mL bottle. There are 14 doses in the 2 mL bottle, and 30 doses in the 3.7 mL bottle. Talk to your provider if you have questions about which one you should receive.
                  Does calcitonin salmon cause cancer?
                  In studies, more people who used calcitonin salmon reported having cancer (about 4%) compared to people who took a placebo (about 3%). This could mean that calcitonin salmon might raise your risk of developing cancer. But, more research is needed. Talk with your provider if you have concerns.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Calcitonin salmon?

                  Calcitonin salmon can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe allergic reaction

                  Some people might have an allergic reaction to calcitonin salmon. Some reactions have been serious, requiring medical treatment. Let your provider know if you've had a history of allergic reactions. They might do a skin test if they think you might be allergic. If you experience trouble breathing, hives, or swelling in your throat, lips, tongue, or face, get medical help right away.

                  risk-warning

                  Low calcium (hypocalcemia)

                  • Risk factors: Low vitamin D levels | Other conditions that affect how your body processes minerals

                    Calcitonin salmon can cause your calcium levels to get too low (hypocalcemia). Low calcium can lead to muscle cramps, twitching, and seizures. Talk to your provider about using calcium and vitamin D supplements to avoid low calcium levels while taking this medication.

                    risk-warning

                    Nasal irritation

                    Side effects in and around your nose are common with calcitonin salmon nasal spray. This can include a runny or bloody nose. Some side effects can be more serious, like ulcers in your nose. Keep your follow-up visits so your provider can check for these effects. If you develop ulcers in your nose, they might have you stop or pause using the nasal spray.

                    risk-warning

                    Cancer

                    In clinical studies, more people using calcitonin salmon developed cancer than those who used a placebo medication. Talk to your provider if you have questions about this potential side effect. They can discuss the benefits and risks of this medication for you.

                    dosage

                    Calcitonin salmon dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 nasal spray of 3.7ml of 200iu/spray of Calcitonin salmon is $32.05 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.32% off the average retail price of $115.81.
                    nasal spray
                    Nasal spray
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    3.7ml of 200iu/spray1 nasal spray$32.05$32.05

                    Typical dosing for Calcitonin salmon

                    Each spray contains 200 units of calcitonin salmon.

                    The typical dose is 1 spray in one nostril once per day. Switch which nostril you use every day.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Calcitonin salmon and other drugs

                    Calcitonin salmon may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Calcitonin salmon. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Calcitonin salmon cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Calcitonin salmon?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcitonin salmon. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Calcitonin salmon
                    Used for:
                    • Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

                    $32.05 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

                    $25.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    $13.77 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Calcitonin salmon images

                    Calcitonin Salmon Coupon - Calcitonin Salmon 3.7ml of 200iu / spray nasal spray
                    nasal spray (3.7ml) 200iu/spray of calcitonin salmonCalcitonin Salmon Coupon - Calcitonin Salmon 3.7ml of 200iu / spray nasal spray

                    Get savings updates for Calcitonin salmon

                    Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Calcitonin salmon and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                    By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Apotex Corp. (2022). CALCITONIN SALMON spray, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Eastell, R., et al. (2019). Pharmacological management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

                    McLaughlin, M. B., et al. (2022). Calcitonin. StatPearls.

                    View All References (1)

                    You and Your Hormones. (2021). Calcitonin.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                    Was this page helpful?

                    Browse medications

                    View All

                    Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.