A to Z / Approved medicine
Calcitonin
Also known as Miacalcin, salmon calcitonin.
Best known for The bone and calcium peptide now used sparingly
Evidence★★★★★
Safety dataWell characterised
Route nasal spray, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
United StatesFDA approved
AustraliaSchedule 4: prescription only
as at 16 September 2026
What it is and what it does
Calcitonin is a 32-amino-acid hormone that lowers blood calcium by inhibiting bone breakdown. It is an approved medicine with decades of clinical use. It is used to treat hypercalcaemia and Paget's disease of bone, and was historically used in osteoporosis.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with Teriparatide, Abaloparatide
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about Calcitonin. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.