Calcitonin is a hormone which is produced by C-cells(parafollicular cells) of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin is of great importance in the human body as it regulates the level of calcium in the body by decreasing its level. Calcitonin is also called thyrocalcitonin. This hormone is necessary for calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
Miacalcin, comes in the form of nasal spray or injection which is used in the treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Females, to treat Paget’s Disease and to treat high calcium level in the body.
Miacalcin Nasal Spray Ingredients:
The active ingredient that Miacalcin Nasal Spray contains is synthetic salmon calcitonin.
Many other excipients are also present which are:
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Sodium chloride
- Hydrochloric acid(for adjustment of pH)
- Purified water
Symptoms of Osteoporosis:
Some common symptoms of Osteoporosis are as follows:
- Stooped Posture
- Loss of height
- Back pain induced due to collapsed or fractured vertebra
- Decreased grip strength
- Weak and brittle fingernails
- Receding gums and bone loss from jaws
Alendronate:Proficient drug to Treat Osteoporosis
Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs i.e. Bisphosphonates and it is used in prevention and cure of Osteoporosis especially in Women who have undergone menopause.
Alendronate is available in markets as Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D, Binosto (Brand Names).
Alendronate Uses:
Some of Alendronate Uses are as given below:
Fosamax is used to prevent and treat Osteoporosis in
- Women: who are undergone menopause (end of menstrual cycle)
- Men: to increase bone mass
- Men and Women: to prevent and Treat Osteoporosis due to long term use of corticosteroids.
Also used in the treatment of Paget’s Disease of bones.
Alendronate is the FDA approved drug and a prescribed medicine for the prevention and treatment of certain bone disorders (Osteoporosis).
Miacalcin Uses:
Some of Miacalcin Uses are as follows:
It is used in the treatment of:
- Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Bone pain induced due to osteolysis or osteopenia
- Neurodystrophy Disorders
Injections are used to treat:
- Hypercalcemia
- Paget’s Disease
Miacalcin Dosage:
Dosage of every drug is adjusted according to the patient’s need and the severity of the diseased condition. Analgesic effect of any drug takes time to develop and that duration of time depends on the dose of drug taken. Initial therapy with any drug to treat a disease is usually started with a minimum dose.
After discontinuation of drug therapy, disorders of bone metabolism may recur for one or several months, for that condition the patient has to start a new course of Miacalcin therapy.
- Miacalcin Dosage for Hypercalcemia:
Initial Therapy:
4IU/Kg SC/IM q12hr
If initial dose is unresponsive then it may increase to:
8IU/Kg SC/IM q12hr
Maximum dose:
8IU/Kg q6hr
- Miacalcin Dosage for PostmenopausalOsteoporosis:
For treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in those women who have greater than that 5 years menopause
100IU SC/IM every other day with
Vitamin D and Calcium
If drug is in the form of Nasal spray
1 spray(200IU) qDay to be used in alternate nostrils
- Miacalcin Dosage for Paget’s Disease:
Initial Therapy:
100IU SC/IM qDay
For maintenance:
50 IU/day or
50-100 IU every 1-3 days
Miacalcin Contraindications:
As every drug has its contraindications, Miacalcin contraindications are given as follows:
- Low Vitamin D levels
- Low level of Calcium in Blood
- Cancer or malignancy
Miacalcin Interactions:
Effects of Concomitant therapy of different drugs vary from person to person. Drugs interact with each other and the effects may harm the patient by showing many side effects. Those interactions may affect the efficacy of the drugs. So it is better not to take drugs without permission of the consultant.
The drugs which can interact may be prescription/non-prescription/herbal drugs. A patient should tell about all his previous conditions and his/her medical history before starting the course of a new medicine. In this way one can safe himself/herself from any worsening situation. The patients should not start, stop or change the dosage of any drug without permission from their consultant.
- Lithium is the product which can interact with Miacalcin.
Drug-Drug Interactions:
There are 5 known drugs which show interaction with Miacalcin. Among these 5 drugs:
- 1 major interaction
- 2 moderate interaction
- 2 minor interaction
Major interaction is with:
- Etelcalcetide
Moderate interaction is with:
- Lithium
- Foscarnet
Minor interaction is with:
- Morphine
Disease Interactions:
These 2 diseases have interaction with Miacalcin,
- Mineral metabolism disorder
- Hypoglycemia
Precautions of Miacalcin:
the use of Calcitonin one should consult the doctor or pharmacist if he/she is allergic to it or not. And if he/she has a previous history of any other type of allergy, then he/she should rigorously follow the instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist.
If the patient has low calcium level in his blood he should tell about this issue before starting the treatment course. The use of Calcitonin should be avoided in certain conditions. If you are suffering from any of them you shouldn’t use this drug or consult your concerned doctor or pharmacist.
- Low Calcium:
As the role of calcitonin is known that it maintains the level of calcium by reducing its level so if your body has already low level of calcium in the blood, the use of Miacalcin will further lower the calcium in the blood which can cause muscle cramps and seizures in the patient.
- Nasal Irritation:
The use of Miacalcin Nasal Spray can cause some side effects(runny or bloody nose, ulcer in nose) in or around your nose. So if you see any of these effects in or around your nose, visit your doctor. They might pause or stop the use of Miacalcin Nasal Spray.
- Allergic Reactions:
The use of Miacalcin can cause serious Allergic problems. So if you have any previous history of allergy you have to tell your doctor so that adverse effects can be minimised.
- Miacalcin is unlikely to be used in condition of Pregnancy and lactation.
Miacalcin Side Effects:
Some reported Miacalcin Side Effects are given as follows:
- Rhinitis
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Epistaxis
- Injection site reactions
- Abdominal Pain
- Nocturia
- Salary taste
- Edema of feet
- Decreased Appetite
- Possible allergic Reactions
- Dizziness
- Flushing of face
- Tingling or arms/legs
- Nasal sores
- Muscle cramps
- Spasm
- Numbness
If you suffer from any serious side effects immediately consult your concerned doctor to avoid any worsening situation.
Miacalcin Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Calcitonin is available as low cost generic i.e. Miacalcin
- People who can’t swallow pills, Nasal Spray is a good option for them.
- It is to be used once in a day.
Cones:
- This drug is not used as drug of choice for the treatment.
- If patient has already low calcium in blood,this drug can lead to further lowering of calcium.
- It may raises the risk of certain cancers.
