Salmon Calcitonin
FDA approvedCalcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin) is a 32-amino acid hormone originally from salmon that is approved for Paget's disease of bone, high blood calcium and postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is more potent in humans than human calcitonin.
At a glance
- Where it acts
- Muscles, bones & joints
- Regulatory status
- FDA approvedApproved by the U.S. FDA for at least one medical use.
Mechanism of Action
Calcitonin binds calcitonin receptors on osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, rapidly reducing their activity. This lowers bone resorption and blood calcium, and increases calcium loss in the urine.
Typical Dosage (Research)
Prescription-only medicine. Dosing is set by a physician according to the FDA-approved label and the condition being treated.
Side Effects & Risks
Nausea, flushing, injection site reactions, and for the nasal spray, nasal irritation and nosebleeds.
Low blood calcium, allergic reactions, and a small increase in cancer risk seen in pooled trial analyses, which has limited its long-term use for osteoporosis.
Who Uses Salmon Calcitonin
Patients with Paget's disease of bone, hypercalcemia, or postmenopausal osteoporosis when other treatments are unsuitable.