Calcitonin Salmon
Injection, Solution · Intramuscular, Subcutaneous, Nasal
Uses
Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray is a calcitonin, indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause when alternative treatments are not suitable. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use: Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin salmon use, the need for continued therapy should be re-evaluated on a periodic basis ( 1.2 , 5.4 ) Calcitonin salmon nasal spray has not been shown to increase bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated. Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatments are not suitable (e.g., patients for whom other therapies are contraindicated or for patients who are intolerant or unwilling to use other therapies). 1.2 Important Limitations of Use Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin salmon use, the need for continued therapy should be re-evaluated on a periodic basis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray has not been shown to increase spinal bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women.
Dosage and administration
For intranasal use only: one spray (200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units) per day, alternating nostrils daily ( 2.1 ) Prior to first use, allow the bottle to reach room temperature and prime the pump ( 2.2 ) Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Basic Dosing Information The recommended dose of calcitonin salmon nasal spray is 1 spray (200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units) per day administered intranasally, alternating nostrils daily. 2.2 Priming (Activation) of Pump Unopened calcitonin salmon nasal spray should be stored in the refrigerator. Before using the first dose of calcitonin salmon nasal spray, the patient should wait until it has reached room temperature. To prime the pump before it is used for the first time, the bottle should be held upright and the two white side arms of the pump depressed toward the bottle, repeat until a full spray is released. The pump is primed once the first full spray is emitted. To administer, the nozzle should first be carefully placed into the nostril while the patient’s head is in the upright position, then the pump should be firmly depressed toward the bottle. The pump should not be primed before each daily dose. 2.3 Recommendations for Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Patients who use calcitonin salmon nasal spray should receive adequate calcium (at least 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) and vitamin D (at least 400 International Units per day).
Dosage forms and strengths
Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray consists of one glass bottle with attached pump. The bottle contains 2 mL or 3.7 mL of calcitonin salmon clear solution at a concentration of 2200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units per mL. A primed pump delivers 0.09 mL (200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units) calcitonin salmon per actuation. Nasal Spray: 2200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units per mL of calcitonin salmon in a 2 mL or 3.7 mL fill glass bottle with attached pump. Each actuation delivers 200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units of calcitonin salmon ( 3 )
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon or any of the excipients. Reactions have included anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, and swelling of the tongue or throat [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon or any of the excipients ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic shock have been reported. Consider skin testing prior to treatment in patients with suspected hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon ( 5.1 ) Hypocalcemia has been reported. Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D ( 5.2 ) Nasal adverse reactions, including severe ulceration can occur. Periodic nasal examinations are recommended ( 5.3 ) Malignancy: A meta-analysis of 21 clinical trials suggests an increased risk of overall malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients ( 5.4 , 6.1 ) Circulating antibodies to calcitonin salmon may develop, and may cause loss of response to treatment ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving calcitonin salmon nasal spray, e.g., bronchospasm, swelling of the tongue or throat, anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock. Reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions with injectable calcitonin salmon have also been reported, including reports of death attributed to anaphylaxis. The usual provisions should be made for emergency treatment if such a reaction occurs. Hypersensitivity reactions should be differentiated from generalized flushing and hypotension [see Contraindications (4)] . For patients with suspected hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon, skin testing should be considered prior to treatment utilizing a dilute, sterile solution of a calcitonin salmon injectable product. Healthcare providers may wish to refer patients who require skin testing to an allergist. A detailed skin testing protocol is available from the Customer Service department of Apotex Corp. (1-800-706-5575). 5.2 Hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia associated with tetany (i.e., muscle cramps, twitching) and seizure activity has been reported with calcitonin therapy. Hypocalcemia must be corrected before initiating therapy with calcitonin salmon nasal spray. Other disorders affecting mineral metabolism (such as vitamin D deficiency) should also be effectively treated. In patients with these conditions, serum calcium and symptoms of hypocalcemia should be monitored during therapy with calcitonin salmon nasal spray. Use of calcitonin salmon nasal spray is recommended in conjunction with an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . 5.3 Nasal Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions related to the nose including rhinitis and epistaxis have been reported. Development of mucosal alterations may occur. Therefore, periodic nasal examinations with visualization of the nasal mucosa, turbinates, septum and mucosal blood vessels are recommended prior to start of treatment with calcitonin salmon nasal spray, periodically during the course of therapy, and at any time nasal symptoms occur. Calcitonin salmon nasal spray should be discontinued if severe ulceration of the nasal mucosa occurs, as indicated by ulcers greater than 1.5 mm in diameter or penetrating below the mucosa, or those associated with heavy bleeding. Although smaller ulcers often heal without withdrawal of calcitonin salmon nasal spray, medication should be discontinued temporarily until healing occurs [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . 5.4 Malignancy In a meta-analysis of 21 randomized, controlled clinical trials with calcitonin salmon (nasal spray or investigational oral formulations), the overall incidence of malignancies reported was higher among calcitonin salmon-treated patients (4.1%) compared with placebo-treated patients (2.9%). This suggests an increased risk of malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. The benefits for the individual patient should be carefully considered against possible risks [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . 5.5 Antibody Formation Circulating antibodies to calcitonin salmon have been reported with calcitonin salmon nasal spray. The possibility of antibody formation should be considered in any patient with an initial response to calcitonin salmon nasal spray who later stops responding to treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.3)] . 5.6 Urine Sediment Abnormalities Coarse granular casts and casts containing renal tubular epithelial cells were reported in young adult volunteers at bed rest who were given injectable calcitonin salmon to study the effect of immobilization on osteoporosis. There was no other evidence of renal abnormality and the urine sediment normalized after calcitonin salmon was stopped. Periodic examinations of urine sediment should be considered. Urine sediment abnormalities have not been reported in ambulatory volunteers treated with calcitonin salmon nasal spray.
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Hypersensitivity Reactions, including anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Nasal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Malignancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Most common adverse reactions (3% or greater) are rhinitis, epistaxis and other nasal symptoms, back pain, arthralgia, and headache ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Corp. at 1-800-706-5575 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of calcitonin salmon nasal spray in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in 5 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials that enrolled postmenopausal women, aged 45 to 75 years. The duration of the trials ranged from 1 to 2 years. The incidence of adverse reactions reported in studies involving postmenopausal osteoporotic patients chronically exposed to calcitonin salmon nasal spray (N=341) and to placebo nasal spray (N=131), and reported in greater than 3% of calcitonin salmon nasal spray treated patients are presented in the following table. Other than flushing, nausea, possible allergic reactions, and possible local irritative effects in the respiratory tract, a relationship to calcitonin salmon nasal spray has not been established. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 3% of Postmenopausal Patients Treated with Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray †Symptom of nose includes: nasal crusts, dryness, redness or erythema, nasal sores, irritation, itching, thick feeling, soreness, pallor, infection, stenosis, runny/blocked, small wound, bleeding wound, tenderness, uncomfortable feeling and sore across bridge of nose. Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray Placebo Nasal Spray Adverse Reaction N=341 % of Patients N=131 % of Patients Rhinitis 12 7 Symptom of Nose† 11 16 Back Pain 5 2 Arthralgia 4 5 Epistaxis 4 5 Headache 3 5 Nasal Adverse Reactions In all postmenopausal patients treated with calcitonin salmon nasal spray, the most commonly reported nasal adverse reactions included rhinitis (12%), epistaxis (4%), and sinusitis (2%). Smoking did not have a contributory effect on the occurrence of nasal adverse reactions. Adverse reactions reported in 1% to 3% of patients treated with calcitonin salmon nasal spray include: influenza-like symptoms, erythematous rash, arthrosis, myalgia, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchospasm, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, paresthesia, abnormal lacrimation, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, infection, and depression. Malignancy A meta-analysis of 21 randomized, controlled clinical trials with calcitonin salmon (nasal spray or investigational oral formulations) was conducted to assess the risk of malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. The trials in the meta-analysis ranged in duration from 6 months to 5 years and included a total of 10883 patients (6151 treated with calcitonin salmon and 4732 treated with placebo). The overall incidence of malignancies reported in these 21 trials was higher among calcitonin salmon-treated patients (254/6151 or 4.1%) compared with placebo-treated patients (137/4732 or 2.9%). Findings were similar when analyses were restricted to the 18 nasal spray only trials [calcitonin salmon 122/2712 (4.5%); placebo 30/1309 (2.3%)]. The meta-analysis results suggest an increased risk of overall malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients when all 21 trials are included and when the analysis is restricted to the 18 nasal spray only trials (see Table 2). It is not possible to exclude an increased risk when calcitonin salmon is administered by the subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous route because these routes of administration were not investigated in the meta-analysis. The increased malignancy risk seen with the meta-analysis was heavily influenced by a single large 5-year trial, which had an observed risk difference of 3.4% [95% CI (0.4%, 6.5%)]. Imbalances in risks were still observed when analyses excluded basal cell carcinoma (see Table 2); the data were not sufficient for further analyses by type of malignancy. A mechanism for these observations has not been identified. Although a definitive causal relationship between calcitonin salmon use and malignancies cannot be established from this meta-analysis, the benefits for the individual patient should be carefully evaluated against all possible risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . Table 2: Risk Difference for Malignancies in Calcitonin Salmon-Treated Patients Compared with Placebo-Treated Patients 1 The overall adjusted risk difference is the difference between the percentage of patients who had any malignancy (or malignancy excluding basal cell carcinoma) in calcitonin salmon and placebo treatment groups, using the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) fixed-effect method. A risk difference of 0 is suggestive of no difference in malignancy risks between the treatment groups. 2 The corresponding 95% confidence interval for the overall adjusted risk difference also based on MH fixed-effect method.
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with calcitonin salmon nasal spray. Concomitant use of calcitonin salmon and lithium may lead to a reduction in plasma lithium concentrations due to increased urinary clearance of lithium. The dose of lithium may require adjustment. Concomitant use of calcitonin salmon and lithium may lead to a reduction in plasma lithium concentrations due to increased urinary clearance of lithium. The dose of lithium may require adjustment ( 7 )
Use in specific populations
There are no data to support use in children ( 8.4 ) Nasal reactions are more common in elderly patients ( 8.5 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Calcitonin salmon nasal spray is not indicated for use in females of reproductive potential. There are no data with the use of calcitonin salmon nasal spray in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, subcutaneous administration of calcitonin-salmon to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis at 418 times the recommended parenteral human dose caused a decrease in fetal birth weights. No adverse developmental outcome was observed in the rat with subcutaneous administration of calcitonin-salmon at 9 times the recommended human parenteral dose based on body surface area (see Data). Data Animal Data Calcitonin salmon has been shown to cause a decrease in fetal birth weights in rabbits when given by subcutaneous injection in doses 4 to 18 times the parenteral dose (of 54 International Units/m 2 ) and 70 to 278 times the intranasal dose recommended for human use based on body surface area. No embryo/fetal toxicities related to calcitonin salmon nasal spray were reported from maternal subcutaneous daily doses in rats up to 80 International Units/kg/day from gestation day 6 to 15. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Calcitonin salmon nasal spray is not indicated for use in females of reproductive potential. There is no information on the presence of calcitonin-salmon in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Calcitonin has been shown to inhibit lactation in rats. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use In a multi-centered, double-blind, randomized clinical study of calcitonin salmon nasal spray, 279 patients were less than 65 years old, while 467 patients were 65 to 74 years old and 196 patients were 75 years old and older. Compared to subjects less than 65 years old, the incidence of nasal adverse reactions (rhinitis, irritation, erythema, and excoriation) was higher in patients over the age of 65, particularly among those over the age of 75. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Calcitonin salmon nasal spray is not indicated for use in females of reproductive potential. There are no data with the use of calcitonin salmon nasal spray in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, subcutaneous administration of calcitonin-salmon to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis at 418 times the recommended parenteral human dose caused a decrease in fetal birth weights. No adverse developmental outcome was observed in the rat with subcutaneous administration of calcitonin-salmon at 9 times the recommended human parenteral dose based on body surface area (see Data). Data Animal Data Calcitonin salmon has been shown to cause a decrease in fetal birth weights in rabbits when given by subcutaneous injection in doses 4 to 18 times the parenteral dose (of 54 International Units/m 2 ) and 70 to 278 times the intranasal dose recommended for human use based on body surface area. No embryo/fetal toxicities related to calcitonin salmon nasal spray were reported from maternal subcutaneous daily doses in rats up to 80 International Units/kg/day from gestation day 6 to 15.
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use In a multi-centered, double-blind, randomized clinical study of calcitonin salmon nasal spray, 279 patients were less than 65 years old, while 467 patients were 65 to 74 years old and 196 patients were 75 years old and older. Compared to subjects less than 65 years old, the incidence of nasal adverse reactions (rhinitis, irritation, erythema, and excoriation) was higher in patients over the age of 65, particularly among those over the age of 75. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Overdosage
The pharmacologic actions of calcitonin salmon nasal spray suggest that hypocalcemic tetany could occur in overdose. Therefore, provisions for parenteral administration of calcium should be available for the treatment of overdose. Single doses of calcitonin salmon nasal spray up to 1600 International Units, doses up to 800 International Units per day for 3 days and chronic administration of doses up to 600 International Units per day have been studied without serious adverse effects.
Description
Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland in mammals and by the ultimobranchial gland of birds and fish. Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray is a synthetic polypeptide of 32 amino acids in the same linear sequence that is found in calcitonin of salmon origin. This is shown by the following graphic formula: It is provided in a 2 mL or 3.7 mL fill glass bottle as a solution for nasal administration. This is sufficient medication for at least 14 doses (2 mL fill) or 30 doses (3.7 mL fill). Active Ingredient : calcitonin salmon 2200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units per mL (corresponding to 200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units per 0.09 mL actuation). Inactive Ingredients : benzalkonium chloride, hydrochloric acid (added as necessary to adjust pH), purified water and sodium chloride. The activity of calcitonin salmon nasal spray is stated in International Units based on bioassay in comparison with the International Reference Preparation of calcitonin salmon for Bioassay, distributed by the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control, Holly Hill, London. graphic-formula
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Calcitonin salmon is a calcitonin receptor agonist. Calcitonin salmon acts primarily on bone, but direct renal effects and actions on the gastrointestinal tract are also recognized. Calcitonin salmon appears to have actions essentially identical to calcitonins of mammalian origin, but its potency per mg is greater and it has a longer duration of action. The actions of calcitonin on bone and its role in normal human bone physiology are still not completely elucidated, although calcitonin receptors have been discovered in osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
How supplied
How Supplied Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray is available as a metered dose clear solution in a 2 mL or 3.7 mL fill clear glass bottle that contains 2,200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units calcitonin salmon per mL. A pump is attached to the bottle. After priming, the pump will deliver 200 USP Calcitonin Salmon Units per activation (0.09 mL per spray) (2 mL fill: NDC 60505-0823-0; 3.7 mL fill: NDC 60505-0823-6). Storage and Handling Store unopened bottle in refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from freezing. Store bottle in use at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) in an upright position, for up to 30 days (2 mL fill) or 35 days (3.7 mL fill). Each bottle contains at least 14 doses (2 mL fill) or 30 doses (3.7 mL fill). Discard bottle after 14 doses (2 mL fill) or 30 doses (3.7 mL fill).
Patient information
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use). Instruct patients on pump assembly, priming of the pump, and nasal introduction of Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray. Although instructions for patients are supplied with the individual bottle, procedures for use should be demonstrated to each patient [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] . Patients should notify their healthcare provider if they develop significant nasal irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Inform patients of the potential increase in risk of malignancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . Advise patients to maintain an adequate calcium (at least 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) and vitamin D (at least 400 International Units per day) intake [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Instruct patients to seek emergency medical help or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if they develop any signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Advise patients how to correctly store unopened and opened product [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)] . Advise patients that the bottle should be discarded after 14 doses (2 mL fill) or 30 doses (3.7 mL fill), because after 14 or 30 doses, each spray may not deliver the correct amount of medication even if the bottle is not completely empty. APOTEX INC. CALCITONIN SALMON (SYNTHETIC ORIGIN) NASAL SPRAY Manufactured by Manufactured for Apotex Inc. Apotex Corp. Toronto, Ontario Weston, FL Canada M9L 1T9 33326 Revised: November 2017
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Apotex Corp. (revised Sep 10, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Calcitonin Salmon in 11 products
Calcitonin Salmon NDC products (11)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70121-1650 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [USP'U]/mL Injection, Solution | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | ANDA |
| 60505-0823 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [iU]/1 Spray, Metered | Apotex Corp. | ANDA |
| 69097-770 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [USP'U]/mL Injection, Solution | Cipla USA Inc. | ANDA |
| 43598-051 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [USP'U]/mL Injection, Solution | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. | ANDA |
| 63323-865 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [iU]/mL Injection, Solution | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | ANDA |
| 24201-400 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [USP'U]/mL Injection, Solution | Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | ANDA |
| 42023-205 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [iU]/mL Injection, Solution | Par Health USA, LLC | ANDA |
| 49884-161 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [iU]/.09mL Spray, Metered | Par Health USA, LLC | ANDA |
| 25021-473 | Calcitonin Salmon 400 [USP'U]/2mL Injection, Solution | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | ANDA |
| 70771-1971 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [USP'U]/mL Injection, Solution | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | ANDA |
| 70710-1875 | Calcitonin Salmon 200 [USP'U]/mL Injection, Solution | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | ANDA |
Calcitonin Salmon recalls
- D-0568-2023 May 17, 2023 · Class II · Completed
Presence of Foreign Substance: Glass splinter particle entrapped inside the pump ball seat rendered the pump inoperable. - D-0475-2023 Apr 5, 2023 · Class II · Terminated
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications and Subpotent Drug: High Out of Specification results for a known and unknown impurity as well as low Out of Specification results for assay.
Frequently asked questions
What is Calcitonin Salmon used for?
Calcitonin Salmon (synthetic origin) Nasal Spray is a calcitonin, indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause when alternative treatments are not suitable. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use: Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin salmon use, the need for continued…
What are the side effects of Calcitonin Salmon?
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Hypersensitivity Reactions, including anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Nasal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Malignancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Most common adverse reactions (3% or greater) are… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Calcitonin Salmon?
Calcitonin Salmon is listed by 10 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Apotex Corp., Cipla USA Inc., Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc..
Has Calcitonin Salmon been recalled?
The FDA enforcement database lists 2 recalls for Calcitonin Salmon, most recently D-0568-2023 (class ii): Presence of Foreign Substance: Glass splinter particle entrapped inside the pump ball seat rendered the pump inoperable.