CALCITONIN-SALMON

Fetal Risk Summary

Calcitonin-salmon is a synthetic polypeptide of 32 amino acids in the same linear sequence that is found in the hormone from salmon. The hormone does not cross the placenta (1).

A decrease in fetal birth weights in rabbits has been observed when calcitonin-salmon was administered in doses 14–56 times the recommended human dose (1). The fetal weight reduction may have been due to metabolic effects on the mother (1).

No reports linking the use of calcitonin-salmon with congenital defects have been located. Marked increases of calcitonin concentrations in fetal serum greater than maternal levels have been demonstrated at term (2). The significance of this finding is unknown.

Breast Feeding Summary

No reports describing the use of calcitonin-salmon during lactation have been located. Because it is a polypeptide, excretion into milk would not be expected. However, calcitonin-salmon has been shown to inhibit lactation in animals. Mothers wishing to breast-feed should be informed of this potential complication (1).

References

1. Product information. Miacalcin. Novartis Pharmaceuticals, 2000.
2. Kovarik J, Woloszczuk W, Linkesch W, Pavelka R. Calcitonin in pregnancy. Lancet 1980;1:199–200.