Fortical Uses

Fortical is used for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Specifically, it is approved for women who are at least five years past menopause and who cannot tolerate estrogen. Healthcare providers will also sometimes recommend "off-label" Fortical uses, such as for the treatment of nerve pain or bone pain and the prevention of osteoporosis.

 

Fortical Uses: An Overview

Fortical® (calcitonin salmon nasal spray) is a prescription medication that is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is a synthetic version of calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown.
 

What Is Osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone," is a disease characterized by low bone mass (bone thinning) that leads to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by this condition. Fortunately, osteoporosis is a disease that can be prevented and treated.
 
Common causes of osteoporosis include:
 
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Age-related bone loss
  • Long-term corticosteroid use
  • Certain diseases.
     
Race and ethnicity may play a role in developing osteoporosis as well, but more research is needed to determine the connection.
 
Often, osteoporosis treatment is not started until a bone is broken, as there are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis. However, treatment may be started earlier if the disease is detected using a test (see Diagnosing Osteoporosis). Fortical is approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at least five years past menopause and who cannot tolerate estrogen (or who should not take estrogen for medical reasons).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;