Miacalcin Nasal Spray Uses

Miacalcin nasal spray is used for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at least five years past menopause and cannot tolerate estrogen. Occasionally, healthcare providers may also recommend the drug in an "off-label" fashion for other uses. Off-label Miacalcin nasal spray uses may include the prevention of osteoporosis and the treatment of bone pain or nerve pain.

 

Miacalcin Nasal Spray Uses: An Overview

Miacalcin® nasal spray (calcitonin salmon nasal spray) is a manufactured version of calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown. It is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Specifically, Miacalcin nasal spray 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).
 

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:
 
  • Age-related bone loss
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • 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).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;