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Calcitonin Salmon Coupon - Calcitonin Salmon 3.7ml of 200iu/spray nasal spray

calcitonin salmon

Generic Miacalcin
Used for Osteoporosis
Used for Osteoporosis

Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) is an injectable medication used to treat osteoporosis in women who have already undergone menopause (postmenopause), Paget's disease of bone, and high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). The usual dosage is one injection given into the muscle or under the skin 1 to 4 times a day, depending on the reason you're using it. Nausea and injection site reactions are the most common side effects. You can find the injection in both brand-name and generic forms.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 5, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)?

What is Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) used for?

  • Paget's disease of bone

  • High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)

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

How Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) works

Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) 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. It also lowers calcium levels by helping you get rid of it in your urine.

Are you looking for information on calcitonin salmon nasal spray instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMiacalcin
Drug ClassCalcitonin receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$116.680
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$116.68
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What are the side effects of Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)?

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

  • Nausea with or without vomiting (10%)
  • Injection site reaction (10%)
  • Flushing (warmth and reddening) of the face or hands (2-5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Rash
  • Itchy ear lobes
  • Urinating more frequently at night
  • Fever
  • Eye pain
  • Poor appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Swelling in the feet
  • Salty taste in the mouth

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 (Miacalcin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works faster than other treatments for osteoporosis (e.g., bisphosphonates)

Not many known interactions with other medications

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis

Unknown if safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Injections can be uncomfortable for some people

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)

pharmacist

  • Before using calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin), make sure you've been trained on how and where to give the injection properly and safely. This medication can be injected into a muscle or under the skin. Never inject it into a vein.

    • Store calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Don't freeze it because this could damage the medication.

      • Always check to see if calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) looks clear, colorless, and free of particles. Don't use it if it's damaged.

        • Never throw needles away in the trash to avoid needlestick injuries. Instead, discard them in a sharps container.

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

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

              • If you have postmenopausal osteoporosis or Paget's disease of bone, ask your provider how much calcium and vitamin D you should be taking every day to support your bone health.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)

                How does calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) work to treat Paget's disease of bone and postmenopausal osteoporosis?
                Normally, your body removes old bone and replaces it with new bone material in a balanced manner. Paget's disease of bone and menopause are two conditions that can disrupt the balance between removing old bone and building new bone. In both conditions, bones are being broken down faster than your body can build new bone. During menopause, a drop in estrogen levels is thought to slow down new bone formation. And in Paget's, the cells responsible for breaking down bone are more active. Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) helps prevent bone loss by slowing these cells down, so less bone is broken down.
                Does calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) raise calcium levels?
                No, calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) sounds a lot like calcium, but it doesn't actually raise calcium levels in the blood. In fact, it works to lower calcium levels. Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) works by stopping calcium from being absorbed back into your body through the kidneys. And it helps to get rid of the calcium through the urine. So it's FDA approved to treat people with hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).
                What's the difference between calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) nasal spray and injection?
                The calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) nasal spray and injection both contain the same medication, but they're used for different conditions. The nasal spray is FDA approved specifically for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. On the other hand, the injection form of the medication is approved for treating not only postmenopausal osteoporosis, but also Paget's disease of bone and high levels of calcium in the blood. The nasal spray is only available as a generic version, but the injection form is available as both a brand name and generic.
                How fast does calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) work?
                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) typically starts to work within 30 minutes of taking a dose. Keep in mind that it might take longer to see the full effects of this medication.
                Does calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) help with bone pain?
                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) isn't FDA-approved to treat bone pain alone. But, about 66% of people with Paget's disease of bone taking calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) in clinical studies noticed an improvement in bone pain. If you're experiencing bone pain, talk to your provider about treatment options that can help.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)?

                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) 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

                Rarely, calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) can cause an allergic reaction. Some reactions can be serious and require medical treatment. Let your provider know if you've had a history of allergic reactions. 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)

                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) can cause your calcium levels to get too low. 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, especially if you're using calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) for postmenopausal osteoporosis or Paget's disease of bone.

                risk-warning

                Cancer

                In clinical studies, more people using calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) 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 (Miacalcin) dosage forms

                vial
                Vial
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                2ml of 200iu/ml1 vial$249.50$249.50

                Typical dosing for Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)

                Each 1 mL of calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) injection contains 200 units of calcitonin salmon.

                • Paget's disease of bone: Inject 100 units (0.5 mL) under the skin or into the muscle once a day.

                • Hypercalcemia: The dose is based on your body weight and is given every 6 to 12 hours as an injection under the skin or into the muscle.

                • Osteoporosis: Inject 100 units (0.5 mL) under the skin or into the muscle once a day.

                interactions

                Interactions between Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) and other drugs

                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) 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 (Miacalcin). 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.

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                How much does Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Miacalcin (brand)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $249.50

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                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin) (generic)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $116.68

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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin)
                Used for:

                • Paget's disease of bone

                • High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)

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

                $116.68 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Risedronate (Actonel)
                Used for:

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

                • Osteoporosis in men

                • Osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use

                • Paget's disease

                $42.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Alendronate (Fosamax)
                Used for:
                $13.77 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                Calcitonin Salmon Coupon - Calcitonin Salmon 2ml of 200iu / ml vial
                vial (2ml) 200iu/ml of calcitonin salmonCalcitonin Salmon Coupon - Calcitonin Salmon 2ml of 200iu / ml vial

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.(dba Leucadia Pharmaceuticals). (2023). Calcitonin salmon injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                McLaughlin, M. B., et al. (2023). Calcitonin. StatPearls.

                Rajani, R. (2018). Paget's disease of bone. OrthoInfo.

                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.
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