Clinical calcium
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Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone that bone resorption-inhibitory and analgesic effects, and has been used over many decades as a drug for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan and overseas. Reports of large-scale studies of this hormone therefore as yet are few, compared to recently introduced drugs. ⋯ A mechanism of action involving its serotonin receptor expression-mediated effect on pain impulse transmission has been demonstrated. On account of this effect, calcitonin is recommended for use in the management of pain in patients with fresh vertebral fractures.