calcitonin (salmon) at a glance
Medicine class
Calcitonin hormone and inhibitor of bone resorption
Licensed uses
Acute bone loss after sudden immobilisation, selected Paget’s disease and malignancy-associated hypercalcaemia
Administration
Given under the skin, into a muscle or, in some circumstances, into a vein
Important limitation
Not licensed to treat osteoporosis; long-term exposure is associated with increased malignancy risk
What is calcitonin (salmon) used for?
The injectable product is licensed for:
Preventing acute bone loss caused by sudden immobilisation, such as after a recent osteoporotic fracture.
Treating Paget’s disease when alternative treatments have not worked or are unsuitable.
Treating hypercalcaemia caused by cancer.
How does calcitonin (salmon) work?
Calcitonin suppresses osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. This reduces calcium release from bone; reduced calcium reabsorption by the kidneys also contributes to its calcium-lowering effect.
How to take calcitonin (salmon)
Calcitonin is administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, or intravenously when clinically appropriate. Self-injection should only be attempted after practical training.
Allow an ampoule to reach room temperature naturally.
Do not use solution that is cloudy, coloured, contains particles or comes from a damaged ampoule.
Use an opened ampoule immediately and discard any remainder.
Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness, tiredness or visual disturbance occurs.
calcitonin (salmon) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
- Flushing of the face or upper body
- Diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or headache
- Tiredness
- Muscle, bone or joint pain
- Changes in taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, chest tightness, collapse, or tongue and throat swelling indicating severe allergy
- Facial, limb or generalised swelling
- Low blood calcium, sometimes causing muscle cramps
- Persistent or troublesome visual disturbance
calcitonin (salmon) in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited. It should only be used if a physician considers treatment absolutely essential. Tell the prescriber if pregnant, planning pregnancy or possibly pregnant.
calcitonin (salmon) while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. It is unknown whether calcitonin enters human milk, although animal evidence shows milk transfer and reduced milk production.
calcitonin (salmon) interactions
The prescriber should review other medicines, particularly those affected by changes in calcium or other electrolytes.
Lithium
Calcitonin may reduce plasma lithium concentrations, so monitoring and management may need review.
Bisphosphonates
Combined use may produce an additive calcium-lowering effect.
Cardiac glycosides, including digoxin
Changes in calcium and cellular electrolytes may alter their effects, requiring clinical review and monitoring.
Common questions about calcitonin (salmon)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is calcitonin (salmon) used to treat osteoporosis?
No. It is not licensed as an osteoporosis treatment, although it may prevent acute bone loss during sudden immobilisation after an osteoporotic fracture.
Can I inject calcitonin (salmon) myself?
Subcutaneous self-injection may be possible, but only after a doctor or nurse has demonstrated the technique and confirmed that you can do it safely.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.