Effects of salmon calcitonin suppositories in the prevention of bone loss in oophorectomized women.

To evaluate the efficacy of salmon calcitonin (sCT) suppositories in inhibiting postmenopausal bone demineralization and the tolerability of this formulation, we treated ten women oophorectomized in reproductive age with intrarectal sCT at the dose of 200 IU/day for 12 months postoperatively. Modifications of calcium and phosphate metabolism were quantified by measurements of vertebral and peripheral bone mineral content, serum alkaline phosphatase, and hydroxyprolinuria at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of treatment. Tolerability was assessed by recording the appearance of local or systemic side-effects. sCT suppositories were demonstrated to inhibit post-oophorectomy calcium loss, and tolerability was good.