Label: CALCITONIN SALMON injection, solution

  • NDC Code(s): 24201-400-02
  • Packager: Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.(dba Leucadia Pharmaceuticals)
  • Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
  • DEA Schedule: None
  • Marketing Status: Abbreviated New Drug Application

Drug Label Information

Updated January 10, 2023

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  • HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
    These highlights do not include all the information needed to use CALCITONIN SALMON injection safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for CALCITONIN SALMON injection.



    CALCITONIN SALMON injection, synthetic, for subcutaneous or intramuscular use

    Initial U.S. Approval: 1975

    INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Calcitonin salmon synthetic injection is a calcitonin, indicated for the following conditions:

    • Treatment of symptomatic Paget’s disease of bone when alternative treatments are not suitable ( 1.1)
    • Treatment of hypercalcemia ( 1.2)
    • Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis when alternative treatments are not suitable. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated ( 1.3)

    Limitations of Use:

    • Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin salmon use, the need for continued therapy should be re-evaluated on a periodic basis ( 1.4, 5.3)

    DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    • Symptomatic Paget’s disease of bone: 100 USP Units daily. Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake ( 2.12.5)
    • Hypercalcemia: start with 4 USP Units/kg body weight every 12 hours. Increase to 8 USP Units/kg every 12 hours if no improvement in 1-2 days. Increase further to 8 USP Units/kg every 6 hours if no improvement after 2 more days ( 2.2)
    • Postmenopausal osteoporosis: 100 USP Units daily. Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake ( 2.3, 2.5)

    DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    • Injection: 200 USP Units per mL sterile solution in 2 mL multi-dose vials ( 3)

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon or any of the excipients ( 4)

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    • Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including reports of fatal anaphylaxis have been reported. Consider skin testing prior to treatment in patients with suspected hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon ( 5.1)
    • Hypocalcemia has been reported. Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D ( 5.2)
    • Malignancy: A meta-analysis of 21 clinical trials suggests an increased risk of overall malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients ( 5.3, 6.1)
    • Circulating antibodies to calcitonin salmon may develop, and may cause loss of response to treatment ( 5.4)

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Most common adverse reactions are nausea with or without vomiting (10%), injection site inflammation (10%), and flushing of the face or hands (2% to 5%) ( 6)

    To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Leucadia Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-411-9681 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    DRUG INTERACTIONS

    • Concomitant use of calcitonin salmon and lithium may lead to a reduction in plasma lithium concentrations due to increased urinary clearance of lithium. The dose of lithium may require adjustment ( 7)

    USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    There are no data to support use in children ( 8.4)

    See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

    Revised: 9/2019

  • Table of Contents
  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    1.1 Treatment of Paget’s Disease of Bone

    Calcitonin salmon injection is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic Paget’s disease of bone in patients with moderate to severe disease characterized by polyostotic involvement with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline excretion. There is no evidence that the prophylactic use of calcitonin salmon is beneficial in asymptomatic patients. Calcitonin salmon injection should be used only in patients who do not respond to alternative treatments or for whom such treatments are not suitable (e.g., patients for whom other therapies are contraindicated or for patients who are intolerant or unwilling to use other therapies).

    1.2 Treatment of Hypercalcemia

    Calcitonin salmon injection is indicated for the early treatment of hypercalcemic emergencies, along with other appropriate agents, when a rapid decrease in serum calcium is required, until more specific treatment of the underlying disease can be accomplished. It may also be added to existing therapeutic regimens for hypercalcemia such as intravenous fluids and furosemide, oral phosphate or corticosteroids, or other agents.

    1.3 Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

    Calcitonin salmon injection is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause. The evidence of efficacy for calcitonin salmon injection is based on increases in total body calcium observed in clinical trials. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated. Calcitonin salmon injection should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatments are not suitable (e.g., patients for whom other therapies are contraindicated or for patients who are intolerant or unwilling to use other therapies).

    1.4 Important Limitations of Use

    Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin salmon use, the need for continued therapy should be re-evaluated on a periodic basis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Paget’s Disease of Bone

    The recommended dose of calcitonin salmon injection for treatment of symptomatic Paget’s disease of bone is 100 USP Units (0.5 mL) per day administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

    2.2 Hypercalcemia

    The recommended starting dose of calcitonin salmon injection for early treatment of hypercalcemia is 4 USP Units/kg body weight every 12 hours by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. If the response to this dose is not satisfactory after one or two days, the dose may be increased to 8 USP Units/kg every 12 hours. If the response remains unsatisfactory after two more days, the dose may be further increased to a maximum of 8 USP Units/kg every 6 hours.

    2.3 Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

    The recommended dose of calcitonin salmon injection for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause is 100 USP Units (0.5 mL) per day administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The minimum effective dose of calcitonin salmon injection for the prevention of vertebral bone mineral density loss has not been established.

    2.4 Preparation and Administration

    Visually inspect calcitonin salmon injection vials. Calcitonin salmon injection is a clear, colorless, solution. If the solution is not clear and colorless, or contains any particles, or if the vial is damaged, do not administer the solution.

    If the volume of calcitonin salmon injection to be injected exceeds 2 mL, intramuscular injection is preferable and the total dose should be distributed across multiple sites of injection.

    Instruct patients to use sterile injection technique when administering calcitonin salmon injection, and to dispose of needles properly.

    2.5 Recommendations for Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

    Patients who use calcitonin salmon injection for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis should receive adequate calcium (at least 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) and vitamin D (at least 400 International Units per day).

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Calcitonin salmon injection is available as a clear, colorless, sterile solution of synthetic calcitonin salmon in individual 2 mL multi-dose vials containing 200 USP Units per mL.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon or any of the excipients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis with death, bronchospasm, and swelling of the tongue or throat [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

    Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving calcitonin salmon injection, e.g., bronchospasm, swelling of the tongue or throat, anaphylactic shock, and death due to anaphylaxis. Appropriate medical support and monitoring measures should be readily available when calcitonin salmon injection is administered. If anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity/allergic reactions occur, initiate appropriate treatment [see Contraindications (4)] .

    For patients with suspected hypersensitivity to calcitonin salmon, skin testing should be considered prior to treatment utilizing a dilute, sterile solution of calcitonin salmon injection. Healthcare providers may wish to refer patients who require skin testing to an allergist.

    5.2 Hypocalcemia

    Hypocalcemia associated with tetany (i.e., muscle cramps, twitching) and seizure activity has been reported with calcitonin salmon injection therapy. Hypocalcemia must be corrected before initiating therapy. Other disorders affecting mineral metabolism (such as vitamin D deficiency) should also be effectively treated. In patients at risk for hypocalcemia, provisions for parenteral calcium administration should be available during the first several administrations of calcitonin salmon and serum calcium and symptoms of hypocalcemia should be monitored. Use of calcitonin salmon injection for the treatment of Paget’s disease or postmenopausal osteoporosis is recommended in conjunction with an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] .

    5.3 Malignancy

    In a meta-analysis of 21 randomized, controlled clinical trials with calcitonin salmon (nasal spray or investigational oral formulations), the overall incidence of malignancies reported was higher among calcitonin salmon-treated patients (4.1%) compared with placebo-treated patients (2.9%). This suggests an increased risk of malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. It is not possible to exclude an increased risk when calcitonin salmon is administered long-term subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. The benefits for the individual patient should be carefully considered against possible risks [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .

    5.4 Antibody Formation

    Circulating antibodies to calcitonin salmon have been reported with calcitonin salmon injection. The possibility of antibody formation should be considered in any patient with an initial response to calcitonin salmon injection who later stops responding to treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.3)] .

    5.5 Urine Sediment Abnormalities

    Coarse granular casts and casts containing renal tubular epithelial cells were reported in young adult volunteers at bed rest who were given injectable calcitonin salmon to study the effect of immobilization on osteoporosis. There was no other evidence of renal abnormality and the urine sediment normalized after calcitonin salmon was stopped. Periodic examinations of urine sediment should be considered.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    The safety of calcitonin salmon injection was assessed in open-label trials several months to two years in duration. The most common adverse reactions are discussed below.

    Nausea

    Nausea with or without vomiting has been noted in about 10% of patients treated with calcitonin salmon. It is most evident when treatment is first initiated and tends to decrease or disappear with continued administration.

    Dermatologic Reactions

    Local inflammatory reactions at the site of subcutaneous or intramuscular injection have been reported in about 10% of patients. Flushing of face or hands occurred in about 2% to 5% of patients. Skin rashes and pruritus of the ear lobes have also been reported.

    Other Adverse Reactions

    Nocturia, feverish sensation, pain in the eyes, poor appetite, abdominal pain, pedal edema, and salty taste have been reported in patients treated with calcitonin salmon injection.

    Malignancy

    A meta-analysis of 21 randomized, controlled clinical trials with calcitonin salmon (nasal spray or investigational oral formulations) was conducted to assess the risk of malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. The trials in the meta-analysis ranged in duration from 6 months to 5 years and included a total of 10883 patients (6151 treated with calcitonin salmon and 4732 treated with placebo). The overall incidence of malignancies reported in these 21 trials was higher among calcitonin salmon-treated patients (254/6151 or 4.1%) compared with placebo-treated patients (137/4732 or 2.9%). Findings were similar when analyses were restricted to the 18 nasal spray only trials [calcitonin salmon 122/2712 (4.5%); placebo 30/1309 (2.3%)].

    The meta-analysis results suggest an increased risk of overall malignancies in calcitonin salmon-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients when all 21 trials are included and when the analysis is restricted to the 18 nasal spray only trials (see Table 1). It is not possible to exclude an increased risk when calcitonin salmon is administered by the subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous route because these routes of administration were not investigated in the meta-analysis. The increased malignancy risk seen with the meta-analysis was heavily influenced by a single large 5-year trial, which had an observed risk difference of 3.4% [95% CI (0.4%, 6.5%)]. Imbalances in risks were still observed when analyses excluded basal cell carcinoma (see Table 1); the data were not sufficient for further analyses by type of malignancy. A mechanism for these observations has not been identified. Although a definitive causal relationship between calcitonin salmon use and malignancies cannot be established from this meta-analysis, the benefits for the individual patient should be carefully evaluated against all possible risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .

    Table 1: Risk Difference for Malignancies in Calcitonin Salmon-Treated Patients Compared with Placebo-Treated Patients
    *
    The overall adjusted risk difference is the difference between the percentage of patients who had any malignancy (or malignancy excluding basal cell carcinoma) in calcitonin salmon and placebo treatment groups, using the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) fixed-effect method. A risk difference of 0 is suggestive of no difference in malignancy risks between the treatment groups.
    The corresponding 95% confidence interval for the overall adjusted risk difference also based on MH fixed-effect method.

    Patients

    Malignancies

    Risk Difference (%)*

    95% Confidence Interval (%)

    All (nasal spray + oral)

    All

    1.0

    (0.3, 1.6)

    All (nasal spray + oral)

    Excluding basal cell carcinoma

    0.5

    (-0.1, 1.2)

    All (nasal spray only)

    All

    1.4

    (0.3, 2.6)

    All (nasal spray only)

    Excluding basal cell carcinoma

    0.8

    (-0.2, 1.8)

    6.2 Postmarketing Experience

    Because postmarketing adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of calcitonin salmon injection.

    Allergic / Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving calcitonin salmon injection, e.g., bronchospasm, swelling of the tongue or throat, anaphylactic shock, and death due to anaphylaxis.

    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Urticaria

    Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia with tetany (i.e. muscle cramps, twitching) and seizure activity have been reported.

    Body as a Whole: influenza-like symptoms, fatigue, edema (facial, peripheral, and generalized)

    Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain

    Cardiovascular: hypertension

    Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, diarrhea

    Urinary System: polyuria

    Nervous System: dizziness, headache, paresthesia, tremor

    Vision: visual disturbance

    6.3 Immunogenicity

    Consistent with the potentially immunogenic properties of medicinal products containing peptides, administration of calcitonin salmon injection may trigger the development of anti-calcitonin antibodies. Circulating antibodies to calcitonin salmon after 2 to 18 months of treatment have been reported in about one-half of the patients with Paget’s disease in whom antibody studies were done. In some cases, high antibody titers are found; these patients usually will have a loss of response to treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .

    The incidence of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of a positive antibody test result may be influenced by several factors, including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of antibodies among different calcitonin salmon products may be misleading.

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with calcitonin salmon injection.

    Concomitant use of calcitonin salmon and lithium may lead to a reduction in plasma lithium concentrations due to increased urinary clearance of lithium. The dose of lithium may require adjustment.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    There are no studies with calcitonin salmon injection in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk for birth defects or miscarriage. In an animal reproduction study, subcutaneous administration of calcitonin salmon to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis at 4-18 times the recommended parenteral human dose caused a decrease in fetal birth weights. No adverse developmental outcome was observed in the rat with subcutaneous administration of calcitonin salmon at 9 times the recommended human parenteral dose based on body surface area (see Data).

    In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

    Data

    Animal Data

    Calcitonin salmon has been shown to cause a decrease in fetal birth weights in rabbits when given by subcutaneous injection in doses 4 to 18 times the parenteral dose recommended for human use (of 54 International Units/m 2).

    No embryo/fetal toxicities related to calcitonin salmon were reported from maternal subcutaneous daily doses in rats up to 80 International Units/kg/day from gestation day 6 to 15.

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary

    There is no information on the presence of calcitonin salmon in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Calcitonin has been shown to inhibit lactation in rats. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for calcitonin salmon injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from calcitonin salmon injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies of calcitonin salmon injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    The pharmacologic actions of calcitonin salmon injection suggest that hypocalcemic tetany could occur in overdose. Therefore, provisions for parenteral administration of calcium should be available for the treatment of overdose.

    A dose of calcitonin salmon l000 International Units subcutaneously may produce nausea and vomiting. Doses of 32 International Units per kg per day for 1 to 2 days demonstrate no other adverse effects. Data on chronic high-dose administration are insufficient to assess toxicity.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland in mammals and by the ultimobranchial gland of birds and fish.

    Calcitonin Salmon Injection, USP, Synthetic is a synthetic polypeptide of 32 amino acids in the same linear sequence that is found in calcitonin of salmon origin. This is shown by the following graphic formula:

    Chemical Structure

    It is provided in sterile solution for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Each milliliter contains: calcitonin salmon 200 USP Units.

    Inactive Ingredients (per mL): acetic acid, USP, 2.25 mg; phenol, USP, 5.0 mg; sodium acetate trihydrate, USP, 2.0 mg; sodium chloride, USP, 7.5 mg; water for injection, USP.

    The activity of calcitonin salmon injection is stated in International Units based on bioassay in comparison with the International Reference Preparation of calcitonin salmon for Bioassay, distributed by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Holly Hill, London.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Calcitonin salmon is a calcitonin receptor agonist. Calcitonin salmon acts primarily on bone, but direct renal effects and actions on the gastrointestinal tract are also recognized. Calcitonin salmon appears to have actions essentially identical to calcitonins of mammalian origin, but its potency per mg is greater and it has a longer duration of action.

    The actions of calcitonin on bone and its role in normal human bone physiology are still not completely elucidated, although calcitonin receptors have been discovered in osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    Bone

    Single injections of calcitonin salmon caused a marked transient inhibition of the ongoing bone resorptive process. With prolonged use, there is a persistent, smaller decrease in the rate of bone resorption. Histologically, this is associated with a decreased number of osteoclasts and an apparent decrease in their resorptive activity.

    In healthy adults, who have a relatively low rate of bone resorption, the administration of exogenous calcitonin salmon results in decreases in serum calcium within the limits of the normal range. In healthy children and in patients whose bone resorption is more rapid, decreases in serum calcium are more pronounced in response to calcitonin salmon.

    Kidney

    Studies with injectable calcitonin salmon show increases in the excretion of filtered phosphate, calcium, and sodium by decreasing their tubular reabsorption.

    Gastrointestinal Tract

    Some evidence from studies with injectable preparations suggests that calcitonin salmon may have effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Short-term administration of injectable calcitonin salmon results in marked transient decreases in the volume and acidity of gastric juice and in the volume and the trypsin and amylase content of pancreatic juice. Whether these effects continue to be elicited after each injection of calcitonin salmon during chronic therapy has not been investigated.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    The absolute bioavailability of calcitonin salmon is approximately 66% and 71% after intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, respectively. After subcutaneous administration, peak plasma levels are reached in approximately 23 minutes. The terminal half-life is approximately 58 minutes for intramuscular administration and 59 to 64 minutes for subcutaneous administration. The apparent volume of distribution is 0.15 to 0.3 L/kg.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Carcinogenicity

    The incidence of pituitary adenomas was increased in rats after one and two years of subcutaneous exposure to synthetic calcitonin salmon. The significance of this finding to humans is unknown because pituitary adenomas are very common in rats as they age, the pituitary adenomas did not transform into metastatic tumors, there were no other clear treatment-related neoplasms, and synthetic calcitonin salmon related neoplasms were not observed in mice after two years of dosing.

    Rat findings

    The only clear neoplastic finding in rats dosed subcutaneously with calcitonin salmon was an increase in the incidence of pituitary adenomas in male Fisher 344 rats and female Sprague Dawley rats after one year of dosing and male Sprague Dawley rats dosed for one and two years. In female Sprague Dawley rats, the incidence of pituitary adenomas after two years was high in all treatment groups (between 80% and 92% including the control groups) such that a treatment-related effect could not be distinguished from natural background incidence. The lowest dose in male Sprague Dawley rats that developed an increased incidence of pituitary adenomas after two years of dosing (1.7 International Units/kg/day) is approximately 1/6th of the maximum recommended subcutaneous dose in humans (100 International Units/day) based on body surface area conversion between rats and humans. The findings suggest that calcitonin salmon reduced the latency period for development of non-functioning pituitary adenomas.

    Mouse findings

    No carcinogenicity potential was evident in male or female mice dosed subcutaneously for two years with synthetic calcitonin salmon at doses up to 800 International Units/kg/day. The 800 International Units/kg/day dose is approximately 39 times the maximum recommended subcutaneous dose in humans (100 International Units/day) based on body surface area conversion between mice and humans.

    Mutagenesis

    Synthetic calcitonin salmon tested negative for mutagenicity using Salmonella typhimurium (5 strains) and Escherichia coli (2 strains), with and without rat liver metabolic activation, and was not clastogenic in a chromosome aberration test in Chinese Hamster V79 cells. There was no evidence that calcitonin salmon was clastogenic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

    Fertility

    Effects of calcitonin salmon on fertility have not been assessed in animals.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    14.1 Paget’s Disease of Bone

    The trials used for the basis of approval for calcitonin salmon injection for treatment of Paget’s disease of bone were conducted in patients with moderate to severe disease characterized by polyostotic involvement with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline excretion. In open-label clinical trials of several months to two years duration with historical controls, biochemical abnormalities were substantially improved (more than 30% reduction) in about 2/3 of patients studied and bone pain was improved in a similar fraction. A small number of documented instances of reversal of neurologic deficits have occurred, including improvement in the basilar compression syndrome, and improvement of spinal cord and spinal nerve lesions. There is too little experience to predict the likelihood of improvement of any given neurologic lesion. Hearing loss is improved infrequently (4 of 29 patients studied by audiometry). Patients with increased cardiac output due to extensive Paget’s disease of bone have had measured decreases in cardiac output while receiving calcitonin salmon. The number of treated patients in this category is too small to predict how likely such a result will be.

    There is no evidence that the prophylactic use of calcitonin salmon is beneficial in asymptomatic patients.

    14.2 Hypercalcemia

    In four open-label clinical trials enrolling 53 patients, calcitonin salmon has been shown to lower elevated serum calcium levels of patients with carcinoma (with or without metastases), multiple myeloma, and primary hyperparathyroidism (lesser response). These patients were treated with calcitonin salmon only when other methods of lowering serum calcium (hydration, oral phosphate, corticosteroids) were unsuccessful or unsuitable. With patients’ pre-therapy serum calcium levels as controls, reduction in serum calcium was evident within 1 to 2 hours of administration. The peak effect occurred within 24 to 48 hours of injection and administration of calcitonin salmon every 12 hours maintained a hypocalcemic effect for approximately 5 to 8 days, the time period evaluated for most patients in the clinical trials. The average reduction of 8-hour post-injection serum calcium was approximately 9% (2 to 3 mg/dL). Patients with higher values of serum calcium tended to show greater reductions during calcitonin salmon treatment.

    14.3 Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

    The trials used for the basis of approval for calcitonin salmon injection for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis were two randomized, open-label, 2-year studies in postmenopausal women 50 to 74 years of age with total body calcium < 85% of expected normal, and vertebral osteopenia (by x-ray criteria) and/or at least one atraumatic compression fracture. The primary efficacy endpoint was total body calcium measured by neutron activation analysis. Patients were randomized to calcitonin salmon injection 100 International Units daily (subcutaneously or intramuscularly) at bedtime, or control. All subjects received daily supplements of 1200 mg calcium carbonate and 400 International Units of vitamin D.

    In both studies, total body calcium increased from baseline with calcitonin salmon therapy at 1 year, followed by a trend to decreasing total body calcium (still above baseline) at 2 years.

    Thoracic and lumbar spine X-rays (AP/lateral) were obtained yearly. For the two studies combined (34 calcitonin salmon and 35 control subjects), in the first year there was a total of 6 new vertebral compression fractures in the calcitonin salmon group and 5 in the control group. In the second year there were 7 new fractures in each group.

    No evidence currently exists to indicate whether calcitonin salmon injection decreases the risk of osteoporotic fracture. A controlled study, which was prematurely discontinued, failed to demonstrate any benefit of calcitonin salmon on fracture rate.

    No adequate controlled trials have examined the effect of calcitonin salmon injection on vertebral bone mineral density beyond 1 year of treatment. Therefore, the minimum effective dose of calcitonin salmon injection for prevention of vertebral bone mineral density loss has not been established.

    In clinical studies of postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone biopsy and radial bone mass assessments at baseline and after 26 months of daily injectable calcitonin salmon indicate that calcitonin therapy results in the formation of normal bone.

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    How Supplied

    Calcitonin Salmon Injection, USP, Synthetic is available as a sterile solution in individual 2 mL multi-dose vials containing 200 USP Units per mL.

    NDC 24201-400-02
    carton containing 1 x 2 mL multi-dose vial

    Storage and Handling

    Store in a refrigerator between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).

    Protect from freezing.

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    • Instruct patients and other persons who may administer calcitonin salmon injection in sterile injection technique. Also instruct patients to dispose of needles properly [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
    • Inform patients of the potential increase in risk of malignancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .
    • Advise patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or Paget’s disease of bone to maintain an adequate calcium (at least 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) and vitamin D (at least 400 International Units per day) intake [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] .
    • Instruct patients to seek emergency medical help or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if they develop any signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .

    Manufactured for:
    Leucadia Pharmaceuticals
    Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA

    Manufactured by:
    Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing
    Grand Rapids MI 49504 USA

    Rev. 09/2019

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 400 I.U. per 2 mL

    NDC 24201-400-02

    Calcitonin Salmon
    Injection, USP, Synthetic
    400 USP Units/2 mL
    (200 USP Units/mL)

    For Intramuscular or Subcutaneous
    Injection

    Rx only     2 mL Multi-Dose Vial

    FOR INTRAMUSCULAR OR SUBCUTANEOUS
    INJECTION

    Each 1 mL contains: calcitonin salmon, 200 USP Units

    Inactive ingredients:
    acetic acid, USP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.25 mg
    phenol, USP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0 mg
    sodium acetate trihydrate, USP . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 mg
    sodium chloride, USP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5 mg
    water for injection, USP, qs to . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 mL

    Dosage: See package insert for dosage information.

    Store in a refrigerator between 2° to 8°C (36° to
    46°F).

    Protect from freezing.

    Manufactured for:
    Leucadia Pharmaceuticals
    Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA

    Made in the USA

    Carton Label
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    CALCITONIN SALMON 
    calcitonin salmon injection, solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:24201-400
    Route of AdministrationINTRAMUSCULAR, SUBCUTANEOUS
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    CALCITONIN SALMON (UNII: 7SFC6U2VI5) (CALCITONIN SALMON - UNII:7SFC6U2VI5) CALCITONIN SALMON200 [USP'U]  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    ACETIC ACID (UNII: Q40Q9N063P) 2.25 mg  in 1 mL
    PHENOL (UNII: 339NCG44TV) 5 mg  in 1 mL
    SODIUM ACETATE (UNII: 4550K0SC9B) 2 mg  in 1 mL
    SODIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 451W47IQ8X) 7.5 mg  in 1 mL
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:24201-400-021 in 1 CARTON05/14/2021
    12 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA21241605/14/2021
    Labeler - Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.(dba Leucadia Pharmaceuticals) (118707839)
    Registrant - Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA inc. (118707839)