Prescription Drugs

Manufacturer:

Description:

Fortical is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause with low bone mass relative to healthy premenopausal women. The use of Use of Fortical Nasal Spray is recommended in conjunction with an adequate calcium (at least 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) and Vitamin D (400 IU per day) intake to retard the progressive loss of bone mass

Directions:

Fortical calcitonin-salmon (rDNA origin) Nasal Spray is presented as a metered dose solution in a 3.7 mL fill amber glass bottle. It is available in a dosage strength of 200 IU per activation (0.09 mL). A screw on pump is provided. Following priming, the pump will deliver solution containing 200 IU of calcitonin-salmon per activation.

The recommended dose of Fortical calcitonin-salmon (rDNA origin) Nasal Spray in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients is 1 spray (200 IU) per day administered intranasally, alternating nostrils daily.

Store unopened bottles in the refrigerator and protect from freezing.

Before the first dose of a newly opened bottle, allow the medication to warm to room temperature. Remove the protective cap. Prime the pump by holding the bottle upright and depressing the two white side arms of the pump toward the bottle at least 5 times until a full spray is produced. Don’t prime the pump before each daily use, just before the first use of each new bottle.

To give yourself this spray, carefully place the nozzle into your nostril with your head in an upright position and the pump firmly depressed toward the bottle.

Store opened bottles with the pump attached at room temperature in the upright position.

Discard 30 days after first use.

Cautions:

Common nasal irritation, runny nose.
Less common headache, flulike symptoms, fatigue.
You will need to have periodic bone density tests to evaluate the effects of this medication on your bones.

Your physician may test your blood periodically to monitor your blood calcium level.

Dont use this medication if you have sores in your nose.

Report bleeding or sores in the nostril, back pain, and flulike illness.

Its not known how this medication would affect a pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant or would like to become pregnant, consult your health care provider.

Its not known how this medication could affect a nursing baby. If you are nursing a baby, consult your health care provider to find another method of feeding the baby.