Fortical Spray

Generic Name: Calcitonin-Salmon Nasal Spray (KAL-si-TOE-nin SA-mon)
Brand Name: Examples include Fortical and Miacalcin

Fortical Spray is used for:

Treating osteoporosis (fragile or brittle bones) in certain women who have been past menopause for more than 5 years. It should be used along with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Fortical Spray is a polypeptide hormone. It works by stopping bone loss and increasing the density or strength of bone.

Do NOT use Fortical Spray if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Fortical Spray

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Fortical Spray:

Some medical conditions may interact with Fortical Spray. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Fortical Spray. However, no specific interactions with Fortical Spray are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Fortical Spray may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Fortical Spray:

Use Fortical Spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Fortical Spray. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Before priming the pump and using a new bottle, allow the medicine to reach room temperature.
• The pump must be primed before the first use of each new bottle. To prime the pump, hold the bottle upright and press the 2 white side arms toward the bottle until a faint spray is seen. Only prime the pump before the first use of a new bottle.
• Use Fortical Spray in only 1 nostril each day. Alternate nostrils every day.
• To use Fortical Spray, hold your head in the upright position. Place the nozzle of the pump into the nostril and press the pump firmly towards the bottle. It is not necessary to inhale while spraying Fortical Spray.
• Keep track of how many doses you use from the bottle. Do not use more than 30 doses from one bottle, even if the bottle does not appear to be empty. After 30 doses, the pump may not deliver the correct amount of medicine with each spray.
• If you miss a dose of Fortical Spray, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fortical Spray.

Important safety information:

• Follow the diet program given to you by your health care provider. Fortical Spray works better if used along with calcium and vitamin D. Ask your doctor about appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplements.
• Lab tests, including urine tests and nasal examinations, may be performed while you use Fortical Spray. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Fortical Spray with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially runny nose or nasal irritation or redness.
• Fortical Spray should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Fortical Spray while you are pregnant. It is not known if Fortical Spray is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Fortical Spray.

Possible side effects of Fortical Spray:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back or joint pain; headache; runny nose; stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); nasal irritation, soreness, or pain; nosebleeds; sores in nose.

Esta no es una lista completa de todos los efectos secundarios que se pueden presentar. Si tiene dudas acerca de los efectos secundarios, consulte a su profesional del cuidado de la salud. Llame a su médico para obtener asesoramiento sobre los efectos secundarios. Puede informar los efectos secundarios a la FDA al 1-800-FDA-1088. También puede informarlos al http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Fortical Spray:

Store new, unassembled nasal spray bottles in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Protect from freezing. Store bottles that are in use at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in an upright position. Read the extra patient leaflet or ask your pharmacist to find out how long you can use Fortical Spray after it has been opened. Keep Fortical Spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Fortical Spray, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Fortical Spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Fortical Spray. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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