Nozocalcin
Rx2200 iu/ml • Nasal Spray
Indications & Uses
Calcitonin is used to treat active Paget's disease when other treatments haven't worked or aren't suitable for the patient, as well as to treat hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood).
Pharmacology
Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone made naturally by the ultimobranchial gland in non-mammalian vertebrates, and by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland in mammals. It works by inhibiting osteoclast-driven bone resorption, which lowers the overall rate of bone turnover. It also acts on the kidneys, reducing tubular reabsorption and increasing the renal excretion of calcium, chloride, sodium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Intravenous (adult): Emergency treatment of hypercalcaemia. Up to 10 u/kg in 500 mL of sodium chloride 0.9%, given by slow IV infusion over at least 6 hr.
Parenteral (adult): Adjunct in hypercalcaemia. Given SC or IM, 4 u/kg every 12 hrly. The dose may go up after 1-2 days to 8 u/kg every 12 hrly, to a maximum of 8 u/kg 6 hrly after 2 days. Alternatively, 100 u every 6-8 hr, increased after 1-2 days to a maximum of 400 u every 6-8 hr.
Paget's disease of bone: SC or IM, 50 u 3 times weekly, going up to 100 u/day.
Nasal (adult): Nasal postmenopausal osteoporosis. 200 u/day, with the nostrils alternated every day.
Side Effects
The side effects most often reported with salmon calcitonin include GI disturbances, dizziness, flushing, tingling of the hands, an unpleasant taste, skin rash, abdominal pain, urinary frequency, tremor, and inflammation at the injection site. A diabetogenic effect is rarely seen.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Skin testing is recommended before starting treatment. Use with caution in heart failure or kidney impairment. Not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the drug, and low blood calcium levels.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category C. This means either animal studies have shown some risk to the developing baby (such as birth defects or fetal loss), but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, or no studies have been done in either women or animals. Because of this uncertainty, salmon calcitonin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother is judged to outweigh the possible risk to the unborn child.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Renal Impairment: Salmon Calcitonin needs a dosage adjustment.
Overdose
An overdose of Salmon Calcitonin can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Common questions about Nozocalcin 2200 iu/ml
What is Nozocalcin 2200 iu/ml Nasal Spray?
Nozocalcin 2200 iu/ml Nasal Spray is a medicine that contains Salmon Calcitonin. It is made by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Hormone in bone formation by Inhibiting bone resorption group of medicines.
What is Nozocalcin used for?
Calcitonin is used to treat active Paget's disease when other treatments haven't worked or aren't suitable for the patient, as well as to treat hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood).
What are the side effects of Nozocalcin?
The side effects most often reported with salmon calcitonin include GI disturbances, dizziness, flushing, tingling of the hands, an unpleasant taste, skin rash, abdominal pain, urinary frequency, tremor, and inflammation at the injection site. A diabetogenic effect is rarely seen.
Can I take Nozocalcin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy Category C. This means either animal studies have shown some risk to the developing baby (such as birth defects or fetal loss), but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, or no studies have been done in either women or animals. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Nozocalcin?
An overdose of Salmon Calcitonin can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Do I need a prescription for Nozocalcin?
Nozocalcin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.