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Fortical
Fortical is a prescription medicine used for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is a synthetic version of calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown. The medication comes in the form of a nasal spray that is generally used once a day. Potential side effects include back pain, runny or stuffy nose, and other nasal symptoms.
from eMedTV.comFortical® (calcitonin salmon nasal spray) is a prescription medication approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at least five years past menopause.
(Click Fortical Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Fortical is made by Upsher-Smith Laboratories.
Fortical 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. It is made using DNA technology; it is not produced using salmon. Fortical works by slowing down the rate at which bone breaks down. It also appears to have some activity as a pain reliever, independent of its effects on bone.
General considerations for when and how to take Fortical include the following:
- The medication comes as a nasal spray. It is usually taken once a day as one spray, alternating nostrils each time.
- You can take it at any time of the day, but it is a good idea to take it at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- The first time you use each bottle of Fortical, you will need to prime the pump by spraying until a fine mist appears.
- Once you assemble a bottle of Fortical, it must be stored in the upright position, not on its side.
- You do not need to try to inhale the medication. It is absorbed into the body from the nasal tissues. Also, you do not need to tip your head back.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD