Duration of 3.7 mL Calcitonin Nasal Spray When Used Once Daily
A 3.7 mL calcitonin nasal spray prescription will last for 30 days when used at the standard dose of one spray (0.09 mL) per day. 1
Medication Details and Administration
- Each calcitonin nasal spray bottle contains 3.7 mL of solution with a concentration of 2200 I.U./mL 1
- The pump delivers a metered dose of 0.09 mL per activation (spray), which provides 200 I.U. of calcitonin-salmon per spray 1
- The FDA-approved labeling specifically states that each bottle contains at least 30 doses 1
Storage Requirements
- Unopened bottles should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F) 1
- Once opened, the bottle should be stored at room temperature between 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F) in an upright position 1
- The opened bottle can be used for up to 35 days (which aligns with the minimum 30 doses per bottle) 1
Important Considerations
- The bottle must be kept in an upright position during storage to maintain proper functionality 1
- The pump requires priming before first use to ensure accurate dosing 1
- The medication should be protected from freezing to maintain its efficacy 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Improper storage (not refrigerating before opening or not keeping at room temperature after opening) can affect medication stability 1
- Not keeping the bottle upright during storage may compromise the delivery system 1
- Using more than the prescribed one spray per day will cause the prescription to run out sooner than the expected 30 days 1
- Not properly priming the pump before first use may result in inaccurate dosing 1
While calcitonin is available in different formulations including oral and injectable forms 2, 3, the nasal spray formulation offers better tolerability compared to injectable forms while maintaining efficacy 3. The nasal spray is primarily used for conditions such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and hypercalcemia 2, 4, 5, 6.