Generic name: Calcitonin

Calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha
NMR solution structure of salmon calcitonin in SDS micelles.[1]

Calcitonin (also known as thyrocalcitonin) is a 32-amino acid linear polypeptidehormone that is produced in humans primarily by the parafollicular cells (also known as C-cells) of the thyroid, and in many other animals in the ultimobranchial body.^[2] It acts to reduce blood calcium (Ca²⁺), opposing the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH).^[3] Calcitonin has been found in fish, reptiles, birds, andmammals. Its importance in humans has not been as well established as its importance in other animals, as its function is usually not significant in the regulation of normal calcium homeostasis.^[4] It belongs to calcitonin-like protein family.

After the menopausal period for women, bone loss accelerates very quickly which leads to osteoporosis.Miacalcin is a medication that can treat this type of bone disease. Miacalcin is a hormone that is created by the thyroid gland that is responsible in decreasing the calcium and phosphate in the blood and helps in the building of bones. It does not only help in the formation of bones but also strengthens the bones.

Miacalcin is a medication also distributed under the brand names Fortical. Miacalcin is a prescribed medication used in the treatment of patients with bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. This medication can also be used in treating severe elevated blood calcium levels.

There are two methods of administering Miacalcin, through injection and nasal spray. The standard dosage for patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis and Paget’s disease is at least 100 to 200 units a day injected into the muscle or equivalent or 1 spray for the nasal spray.

Nasal spray should be administered in one nostril everyday on an alternating basis. Patients must never prolong the use of nasal spray than what is prescribed by the doctor.

Patients need to have enough vitamin D and calcium to help optimize the result of the medication.

If you have missed a dose, never take a double dose because this will cause overdose and is fatal. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Basically, side effects are rare and mild. They typically do not post severe risks and are not life threatening. Some patients may experience wamble and sometimes emesis. The wamble is only temporary and will eventually disappear as the patient continues with the medication. Injected Miacalcin can cause skin irritation on the area of injection. On some patients, skin rashes and flushing occurs.

For the nasal spray, the most common side effects include nose bleeding, headaches, rhinorrhea and bone pain. It may also cause stomach upset but this is a rare case.

Some patients may have allergic reactions, which may cause chest pains, trouble in breathing, tingling of hands, difficulties in urinating and skin rashes. If any of the symptoms or side effects occur, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Before using the medication, discuss with your doctor any other medical ailments that you have that might conflict with the use of the medicine. It would also be necessary to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding our planning to get pregnant before taking the medication.

Also inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescribed medication or over the counter medicine before taking Miacalcin. Never discontinue using the medication without consulting with your doctor first.

As a prescribed medication it should not be shared to anyone else. Proper storage of the medication should be maintained.

Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland in mammals and by the ultimobranchial gland of birds and fish.

Miacalcin® (calcitonin-salmon) Injection, Synthetic is a synthetic polypeptide of 32 amino acids in the same linear sequence that is found in calcitonin of salmon origin. This is shown by the following graphic formula:

It is provided in sterile solution for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Each milliliter contains: calcitonin-salmon 200 I.U., acetic acid, USP, 2.25 mg; phenol, USP, 5.0 mg; sodium acetate trihydrate, USP, 2.0 mg; sodium chloride, USP, 7.5 mg; water for injection, USP, qs to 1.0 mL.

The activity of Miacalcin Injection is stated in International Units based on bioassay in comparison with the International Reference Preparation of calcitonin-salmon for Bioassay, distributed by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Holly Hill, London.

PDB 2glhAndreotti G, Méndez BL, Amodeo P, Morelli MA, Nakamuta H, Motta A (August 2006). “Structural determinants of salmon calcitonin bioactivity: the role of the Leu-based amphipathic alpha-helix”. J. Biol. Chem. 281 (34): 24193–203.doi:10.1074/jbc.M603528200. PMID 16766525.