Calcitonin salmon
Salmon calcitonin for osteoporosis and Paget disease.
What it is
Calcitonin salmon (Miacalcin, Fortical) is a synthetic version of salmon calcitonin used for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and Paget disease of bone. Salmon calcitonin is more potent than human calcitonin at human receptors. Available as injection and intranasal spray.
Mechanism of action
Calcitonin receptor activation on osteoclasts inhibits bone resorption, reducing the rate of bone breakdown. Direct analgesic effects on bone pain may also contribute to clinical benefit in some indications.
Approved indications
- Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Paget disease of bone
- Hypercalcemia
Why this is out of scope at The Tide
Osteoporosis and Paget disease are appropriately managed by primary care, endocrinology, or rheumatology with experience in bone disorders. Calcitonin has largely been replaced by more effective agents (bisphosphonates, denosumab, anabolic agents like teriparatide and abaloparatide) for routine osteoporosis treatment but retains utility in specific scenarios.
Where to learn more
Primary care, endocrinology, or rheumatology.