Use of calcitonin in the treatment of bone pain associated with osteoporosis.

In osteoporosis, calcitonin exerts an analgesic effect that is unrelated to its effect on bone. Although the precise mechanism has yet to be clarified, there is some evidence that the analgesic effect of calcitonin may be mediated through the endogenous opioid system. The intranasal administration of calcitonin seems to be more effective in producing analgesia than parenteral administration.