Key takeaways
calcitonin salmon
Get free coupons
Reclast
(zoledronic acid)
Get free couponsSummary for Miacalcin
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.
Indications for Miacalcin
- Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
Pros and Cons for Miacalcin
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
Cons
- Not a first-choice treatment option for postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Can lead to low calcium levels
- Might raise the risk of certain cancers
Common Side Effects for Miacalcin
- Runny nose (12%)
- Nose irritation, dryness, redness (11%)
- Back pain (5%)
- Joint pain (4%)
- Bloody nose (4%)
Warnings for Miacalcin
- Severe allergic reaction
- Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
- Nasal irritation
- Cancer
Summary for Reclast
Reclast (zoledronic acid) is used to treat osteoporosis. It's only available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's given at a clinic or your provider's office. The medication is an option for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who can't take bisphosphonates by mouth or for those at very high fracture risk. Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a long-lasting medication, so the dosing isn't often (either one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years). It can cause side effects like muscle and joint pain, headache, and fever. This medication is available under the brand name Reclast and as a generic.
Indications for Reclast
- Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
- Osteoporosis in men
- Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
- Paget's disease
Pros and Cons for Reclast
Pros
- Lowers the risk of fractures in different parts of the body, including the hip and back
- Infusions are one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years
- Can freely choose when to eat, drink, or take other medications
- Can use if you can't take other bisphosphonates because of trouble swallowing or too much stomach pain
- Can consider using for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who have very high fracture risk
Cons
- Only available as an IV infusion that's given at a clinic or provider's office
- Risk of many side effects, including joint or muscle pain and severe jaw problems
- Risk of side effects like fever, pain, and chills after each infusion
- Might cause breathing problems in people allergic to aspirin
Common Side Effects for Reclast
- Joint pain (up to 24%)
- Fever (up to 18%)
- Higher blood pressure (up to 13%)
- Headache (up to 12%)
- Muscle pain (up to 12%)
- Arm or leg pain (up to 11%)
- Arthritis (up to 9%)
- Flu-like symptoms (up to 9%)
- Nausea (up to 9%)
- Dizziness (up to 8%)
- Shoulder pain (up to 7%)
- Bone pain (up to 6%)
- Diarrhea (up to 6%)
- Vomiting (up to 5%)
Warnings for Reclast
- Breakdown of the jaw (osteonecrosis)
- Low calcium in the blood
- Kidney damage
- Leg bone fractures
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Harm to unborn baby
Prices with our coupons for Miacalcin vs. Reclast
Browse medications by letter
Show AllBrowse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.
