What is calcitonin?
This question relates to a prescription drug. The answers below are not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. Please contact your healthcare provider for any prescription drug questions.
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Calcitonin is a natural hormone made in the thyroid gland. Fortical and Miacalcin are brand names of the synthetic salmon calcitonin product. It’s taken as a nasal spray or an injection. This medicine treats osteoporosis in women who’ve been in menopause for at least five years. Osteoporosis is a common condition with weak, thin and brittle bones. This drug should be taken with calcium and vitamin D.
Calcitonin is a natural hormone made in the thyroid gland. Fortical and Miacalcin are brand names of the synthetic salmon calcitonin product. It’s taken as a nasal spray or an injection. This medicine treats osteoporosis in women who’ve... More -
Healthwise answered:Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the body and is involved in the process of bone building. When taken by shot or nasal spray, it slows the rate of bone thinning related to osteoporosis.
Calcitonin levels in the blood drop after a person has his or her thyroid gland removed. But medicine is not needed to replace this lost hormone.
Calcitonin sometimes is used as treatment to relieve pain from spinal fractures related to osteoporosis. It is not known how calcitonin decreases pain.
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the body and is involved in the process of bone building. When taken by shot or nasal spray, it slows the rate of bone thinning related to osteoporosis.... More -
Dr. David Slovik answered:Calcitonin is approved only for the treatment, not the prevention, of osteoporosis. Generally, calcitonin is regarded as a less effective treatment because it doesn't build bone as robustly as other medications and it is unclear whether it helps prevent hip or wrist fractures.
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, but its physiologic role in humans is not established. Calcitonin is also found in fish and birds, and salmon is the most common source of calcitonin used in medications. When administered either as an injection or a nasal spray, it inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts.Calcitonin is approved only for the treatment, not the prevention, of osteoporosis. Generally, calcitonin is regarded as a less effective treatment because it doesn't build bone as robustly as other medications and it is unclear whether it... More
