Salmon Calcitonin
Also known as Miacalcin, Fortical, Calcitonin-salmon
Salmon calcitonin is a synthetic version of the calcitonin hormone found in salmon, which is structurally similar to but significantly more potent than human calcitonin at the calcitonin receptor. It has been used for postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and hypercalcemia of malignancy, available as a subcutaneous/intramuscular injection or as an intranasal spray. Regulatory reviews of long-term calcitonin use identified a possible small increase in cancer risk with prolonged treatment, leading agencies such as the European Medicines Agency to restrict its long-term use for osteoporosis; it is generally considered a second-line option today. It remains a prescription-only medication.
Reported benefits
- Lowers elevated serum calcium in hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Reduces bone turnover markers and can relieve bone pain in Paget's disease
- Available as a convenient intranasal spray for chronic osteoporosis therapy
- Provides an option for patients who cannot use bisphosphonates
How it works
Salmon calcitonin binds calcitonin receptors on osteoclasts with roughly 40 to 50 times greater potency than human calcitonin, inhibiting their bone-resorbing activity and reducing the release of calcium from bone into the bloodstream. This lowers serum calcium and slows bone turnover. Its higher receptor affinity and slower clearance compared to the human hormone account for its greater and more sustained pharmacologic effect.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 50 IU | once daily (lower end of injectable dosing range) |
| Moderate | 100 IU | once daily, subcutaneous/intramuscular (standard injectable dose) |
| High | 200 IU | once daily, intranasal (standard nasal spray dose) |
Mixing & syringe units
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Salmon Calcitonin. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
2,000units
= 20 mL for a 100 IU dose
Concentration
5 IU/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 2,000 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Typically used alongside calcium and vitamin D supplementation; considered a second-line osteoporosis therapy behind bisphosphonates and other bone-active agents.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Salmon Calcitonin used for?
Salmon calcitonin is a synthetic version of the calcitonin hormone found in salmon, which is structurally similar to but significantly more potent than human calcitonin at the calcitonin receptor. It has been used for postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and hypercalcemia of malignancy, available as a subcutaneous/intramuscular injection or as an intranasal spray. Regulatory reviews of long-term calcitonin use identified a possible small increase in cancer risk with prolonged treatment, leading agencies such as the European Medicines Agency to restrict its long-term use for osteoporosis; it is generally considered a second-line option today. It remains a prescription-only medication. Reported benefits include lowers elevated serum calcium in hypercalcemia of malignancy, reduces bone turnover markers and can relieve bone pain in paget's disease, available as a convenient intranasal spray for chronic osteoporosis therapy.
What is a typical Salmon Calcitonin dose?
Reported ranges run 50-200 IU. A low protocol is 50 IU once daily (lower end of injectable dosing range), and a high protocol is 200 IU once daily, intranasal (standard nasal spray dose). This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Salmon Calcitonin?
Approximately 1 hour. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is as directed by your clinician.
How is Salmon Calcitonin administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Available as subcutaneous/intramuscular injection or as an intranasal spray; the nasal route is more commonly used long-term due to easier administration.
How long is a Salmon Calcitonin cycle?
Historically used continuously while indicated, though current guidance favors the lowest effective duration given long-term risk considerations on, followed by Reassessed for continued need periodically, particularly beyond short-to-medium term use, per current regulatory guidance off. Some regulatory agencies have restricted long-term calcitonin use for osteoporosis due to a possible cancer risk signal identified in pooled trial data; it is now generally reserved for second-line or shorter-term use.
What are the side effects of Salmon Calcitonin?
Reported side effects include nasal irritation, rhinitis, or epistaxis with the intranasal form, nausea and flushing, more common with injection, possible small increased malignancy risk signal with long-term use, per regulatory review, hypersensitivity reactions, tachyphylaxis (reduced effect) with prolonged continuous use. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Salmon Calcitonin may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →