Calcitonin – association with malignancy and new restrictions on use

Novartis would like to inform healthcare professionals that a recent meta-analysis from 20 randomised controlled clinical trials (of two to five years duration) showed a small but statistically significant increase (0.7% to 2.36%) in the observed incidence of malignancies with long-term calcitonin use. No pattern of specific malignancy type(s) has been observed and a causal relationship has not been established. Based on available data, HSA has assessed that Miacalcic® is no longer indicated for use in osteoporosis in Singapore as the benefit-risk profile of calcitonin for this indication is unfavourable in the local context. Patients being treated for osteoporosis with calcitonin should be switched to alternative treatment during the next scheduled (or routine) appointment.

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of these letters can be found in the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP), a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://hpp.moh.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab) and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: Select your profession under ‘For Healthcare Professionals’.

Step 2: Click on ‘Useful links’.

Step 3: Click on ‘MOH Alert’ and log in via Singpass.

Step 4: Click on ‘Drug Alerts’ or ‘Med Device Alerts’ to view the DHCPLs.