Nasal calcitonin.

Nasal calcitonin is a newly approved treatment for established osteoporosis that increases lumbar spine bone mass, is safe, and well tolerated. Fracture efficacy data is not yet available, although preliminary results are promising. The dose for established osteoporosis is 200 IU. The dose for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis has not been established. Nasal calcitonin may be analgesic to bone and may be of benefit in glucocorticoid-induced vertebral osteoporosis. Nasal spray calcitonin may be of benefit to the symptomatic patient with acute vertebral fracture, the complex patient, or the patient with established osteoporosis who is intolerant of bisphosphonates or estrogen.