Calcitonin Therapy: Uses, Alternatives, and What You Need to Know

When you hear calcitonin therapy, a hormone-based treatment used to lower blood calcium and slow bone loss. Also known as synthetic calcitonin, it’s a drug derived from salmon or human calcitonin that was once a go-to for osteoporosis and hypercalcemia. Back in the 2000s, doctors prescribed it widely—especially for postmenopausal women who couldn’t tolerate other bone drugs. But things have changed. Today, calcitonin isn’t the first choice anymore, and for good reason.

It works by blocking osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. That sounds helpful, and for a while, it was. But studies showed it doesn’t reduce fracture risk as well as bisphosphonates like alendronate or even newer drugs like denosumab. The FDA even pulled its nasal spray for osteoporosis in 2013 because the benefits didn’t outweigh the risks. Still, calcitonin, a hormone naturally made by the thyroid gland isn’t gone. It’s still used in rare cases—like sudden, severe hypercalcemia, a dangerous spike in blood calcium often caused by cancer or overactive parathyroid glands—where quick action is needed. It’s also sometimes used off-label for bone pain from metastatic cancer or Paget’s disease, especially when other treatments fail.

Side effects are common with calcitonin therapy: nausea, flushing, dizziness, and sometimes allergic reactions. The nasal spray can cause runny nose or irritation. Injectables might lead to skin redness or swelling. That’s why most doctors now turn to safer, more effective options. For osteoporosis, you’ve got bisphosphonates, oral or IV drugs that stop bone breakdown. For fast-acting hypercalcemia, IV fluids and loop diuretics, like furosemide, that flush out excess calcium are faster and more reliable. Even denosumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets bone-resorbing cells, offers stronger protection with fewer daily hassles.

So why does calcitonin therapy still show up in medical discussions? Because it’s not dead—it’s just not the star anymore. If you’ve been on it for years and it’s working, your doctor might keep you on it. If you’re newly diagnosed, you’ll likely be offered something better. The posts below dig into real-world comparisons: how calcitonin stacks up against other treatments, who still benefits from it, and what alternatives actually deliver results without the side effects. You’ll find honest takes on what works today, what’s outdated, and what to ask your doctor if you’re considering your options.