Fortical
Calcitonin salmon nasal spray for postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is a synthetic version of a hormone that slows bone breakdown.
- Categories
- Women's Health · Bone Health
- Active ingredient
- Calcitonin Salmon
- Route
- Nasal use
- Form
- Nasal spray, solution; Solution; Nasal spray, solution
- Strengths
- 200iu
This listing uses Fortical as a reference name. A generic equivalent is supplied; its exact brand and manufacturer are confirmed before supply.
Prescription and consultation requirements for Fortical vary by destination and are determined by the fulfilment partner.
Fortical details
- Condition
- Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Alternative names
- Miacalcin
- Therapeutic class
- Calcitonin preparations
- Pharmacological class
- Calcitonin receptor agonist
- Contraindications
- clinical allergy to calcitonin salmon
- Dosage forms
- Nasal spray, solution; Solution; Nasal spray, solution
- Administration route
- Nasal use
- Supply category
- Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Originator
- Upsher-Smith
- Onset Time
- 13 minutes
- Duration
- 18 minutes
- Drug interactions
- lithium; bisphosphonates
Precautions and warnings
risk of systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis with provisions for emergency treatment; periodic nasal examinations recommended; nasal mucosal alterations and transient nasal conditions; discontinue if severe nasal mucosal ulceration occurs; skin testing should be considered prior to treatment in patients with suspected sensitivity; periodic examination of urine sediment should be considered
Minor side effects
rhinitis; nasal symptoms including crusts, dryness, redness, irritation, itching; epistaxis; sinusitis; back pain; arthralgia; headache; nausea
Moderate side effects
nasal mucosal ulceration; bronchospasm; anaphylaxis; anaphylactic shock; angioedema; hypersensitivity reactions
Serious side effects
anaphylaxis, requires immediate medical attention; anaphylactic shock, requires immediate medical attention; bronchospasm, requires immediate medical attention; swelling of the tongue or throat, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Calcitonin salmon nasal spray for postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is a synthetic version of a hormone that slows bone breakdown.
Mechanism of action
Fortical contains calcitonin salmon, a man-made polypeptide hormone identical to the naturally occurring hormone calcitonin found in salmon. Calcitonin acts primarily on bone where it binds to receptors on osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By inhibiting osteoclast function and reducing their number, calcitonin decreases the rate of bone resorption, allowing bone formation to predominate. This helps to slow the progressive loss of bone mass and increase spinal bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Fortical is a nasal spray that is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream.
Storage instructions
Store unopened bottle in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. After opening, store bottle in an upright position at 20°C to 25°C for up to 30 days. Protect from light. Discard after 30 doses.
Age restrictions
Safety and efficacy in children not established. Higher incidence of nasal adverse events in patients over 65 years.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Fortical is not indicated for use in pregnancy. Calcitonin salmon decreased fetal birth weights in rabbits in animal studies. It is not known whether this medicine passes into human milk; nursing should not be undertaken during treatment. Calcitonin has been shown to inhibit lactation in animals. Breastfeeding: Confirm breastfeeding suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use.
What you will receive
Fortical is used here as a reference originator brand name to identify the medicine. We are not affiliated with the brand owner, and this listing does not offer the originator product.
- The supplied product is a generic equivalent containing Calcitonin Salmon, not the originator brand shown as the reference.
- The exact generic brand, manufacturer and dispatch location are confirmed based on the product, destination and available manufacturer or partner warehouse.
- Check the final product details at checkout before confirming an order.