Miacalcin Nasal Spray

Miacalcin nasal spray is licensed to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The medicine is a manufactured version of calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown. It is available by prescription only and is generally used once a day as a single spray. While most people tolerate it well, potential side effects include runny or stuffy nose and back pain.

What Is Miacalcin Nasal Spray?

Miacalcin® nasal spray (calcitonin salmon nasal spray) is a prescription medication used for osteoporosis. It is approved to treat the condition in postmenopausal women who are at least five years past menopause.
 
(Click Miacalcin Nasal Spray Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Miacalcin nasal spray is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does It Work?

Miacalcin nasal spray is a manufactured version of calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown. Miacalcin is actually a synthetic version of calcitonin from salmon (known as calcitonin salmon), which is more potent and longer-acting than human calcitonin. It works by slowing down the breakdown of bone. Miacalcin also appears to have some activity as a pain reliever, independent of its effects on bone.
 

Effects of Miacalcin Nasal Spray

Miacalcin nasal spray has been evaluated in studies of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In these studies, women using the drug increased their bone mineral density (a measure of the strength of bones) in their vertebrae, compared to the women not using the nasal spray.
 
Miacalcin Nasal Spray Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles Health Topics Drugs & Supplements