Calcitonin Salmon is a synthetic hormone medication used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, Paget’s disease of bone, and high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). It works by slowing down bone breakdown and reducing calcium loss from the skeleton. It is available as a nasal spray or an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Common side effects include runny nose, nosebleeds (with the spray), nausea, and injection site reactions.