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.

 
 
Healthcare professional, Therapeutic Products
Published:

Dear Healthcare Professional Letters

12 Dec 2019

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

Step 1: On the top navigation ribbon of webpage, select 'For Healthcare Professionals' followed by 'Health Professionals Portal' and click on the choice of profession. User will be redirected to the specific HPP webpage for the selected profession.

Step 2: Click on the Restricted Content icon on the left panel of webpage and login via SingPass.

Step 3: Click on the MOH Alert icon under ‘Applications’ section

Step 4: Click on the Drug Alert tab to view the DHCPLs.