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Compare Forteo vs. Miacalcin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

  • Forteo (teriparatide)
    Calcitonin salmon
  • Forteo (teriparatide)
    Calcitonin salmon

  • Summary of Forteo vs. Miacalcin

    Summary for Parathyroid hormone analog
    Prescription only

    Forteo (teriparatide) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It's for people who are at very high fracture risk or people who've already tried other osteoporosis medications. Forteo (teriparatide) is an injection that you give to yourself once a day. Some common side effects include general body pain and joint pain. This medication comes as a prefilled pen, but it doesn't come with pen needles. Forteo (teriparatide) is only available as a brand medication; there's no generic version yet.

    Summary for Calcitonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    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 of Forteo vs. Miacalcin

    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in females who've gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in males
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

  • Pros and Cons of Forteo vs. Miacalcin

    Pros and Const for Parathyroid hormone analog
    Pros
    •Can use if you're unable to take or still getting fractures with other osteoporosis medications
    •A first-choice option for people at very high fracture risk (have had a fracture caused by osteoporosis before or have many risk factors for fracture)
    •Lowers the risk for back fractures and fractures in other parts of the body (not including the hip) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for most people with osteoporosis
    •Only available as an injection under the skin
    •Can only use for a total of 2 years throughout your entire life because of unclear risk for bone cancer with longer treatment
    Pros and Const for Calcitonin receptor agonist
    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 of Forteo vs. Miacalcin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Body pain (21%)
    •Joint pain (10%)
    •Runny nose (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Body weakness (9%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •High blood pressure (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny nose (12%)
    •Nose irritation, dryness, redness (11%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Joint pain (4%)
    •Bloody nose (4%)

  • Warnings of Forteo vs. Miacalcin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Kidney stones
    •Low blood pressure
    •Higher risk of side effects from digoxin (Lanoxin)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
    •Nasal irritation
    •Cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Forteo vs. Miacalcin

    Learn more about Forteo
    Learn more about Calcitonin salmon

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