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Fortical Uses
from eMedTV.comFortical is a manufactured version of calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown. It is actually a synthetic version of calcitonin from salmon (known as calcitonin salmon), which is more potent and longer-acting than human calcitonin. Fortical works by slowing down the breakdown of bone. It also appears to have some activity as a pain reliever, independent of its effects on bone.
Fortical is not approved for use in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Fortical for something other than osteoporosis. Off-label Fortical uses include treatment for the following conditions:
- Nerve pain, including diabetic neuropathy
- Bone pain, including bone pain due to cancer.
Fortical is also sometimes used off-label for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD