Calcitonin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Calcitonin is a hormone medicine that lowers blood calcium. It is a prescription medicine used for high calcium and Paget's disease. In Pakistan it is available as injections and sprays, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Calcitonin works
Calcitonin is a man-made version of a natural hormone. It slows the cells that break down bone, so less calcium is released into the blood, and it increases the amount of calcium the kidneys remove in the urine.
What is Calcitonin used for?
- High calcium and Paget's disease
Calcitonin (salmon calcitonin) is given by injection to lower dangerously high blood calcium, for example in some cancers. It is also used for Paget's disease of bone when other treatments are unsuitable, and to prevent rapid bone loss after sudden immobilisation, such as after a fracture. It is used only for short periods.
Side effects of Calcitonin
Side effects of Calcitonin are fairly common, especially at the start. They include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushing of the face
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Changes in taste
- Redness at the injection site
Get medical help straight away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe rash, or muscle cramps and tingling that may signal low calcium.
Precautions and warnings
- Long-term use has been linked to a small increase in cancer risk, so it is used only for short periods.
- Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to proteins or medicines; a skin test may be done first.
- Your blood calcium levels will be checked during treatment.
- It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Calcitonin
What is the price of Calcitonin in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Calcitonin products currently in stock range from Rs 574 to Rs 10,457 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Salmocal 100iu Injection at Rs 574. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Calcitonin are available in Pakistan?
Calcitonin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Miacalcic (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd) and Salmocal (S.J. & G. Fazul Ellahie).Do I need a prescription for Calcitonin?
Yes. Calcitonin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Calcitonin be used during pregnancy?
It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Are all Calcitonin brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Calcitonin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Calcitonin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 4 products containing Calcitonin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
