Salmon calcitonin in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

The principal calcitonins used therapeutically are porcine, human (synthetic), salmon (synthetic), and eel. Of these substances, salmon calcitonin is the most potent (Reginster 1991). Injectabae forms of salmon calcitonin were first indicated for use in the treatment of Paget's disease in rite United States and later received an indication for use in the treatment of postmenoppausal osteoporosis. The injectable [intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC)] formulation of salmon calcitonin, however, has been associated with a high rate of noncompliance in elderly patients. The recently approved nasal-spray formulation has ameliorated the difficulties inherent in parenteral administration and is considered a suitable option as an alternative therapy in patients zn?ho are not appropriate candidates for estrogen replacement therapy. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.