Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) »
Calcium is a mineral that is important in the regulation and processes of many body functions including bone formation, hormone release, muscle contraction, and nerve and brain function. Hypercalcemia is the term that refers to elevated levels of calcium in the bloodstream.
Regulation of Calcium
Calcium levels are tightly regulated in the body. Calcium regulation is primarily controlled by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin.
|
|
Calcitonin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the thyroid gland.
Calcitonin injection is used to treat Paget's disease of bone, postmenopausal osteoporosis, or high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Calcitonin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You may have increased bone pain during the first few months of treatment with calcitonin injection. This is not a sign that the medication isn't working properly.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to salmon calcitonin.
To make sure you are not allergic to this medication, your doctor may perform an allergy skin test before your first dose of calcitonin injection.
Calcitonin injection is not a cure for Paget's disease and you may have a relapse, especially if your body forms antibodies and you become immune to calcitonin. Talk with your doctor at any time if you think the medication is not working as well as it did before.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your urine may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Calcitonin injection can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
It is important to use calcitonin injection regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get tips and advances in treatment.