Control of osteitis deformans using glucagon, calcitonin, and mithramycin.

Glucagon, porcine calcitonin, and mithramycin were given to patients with Paget's disease of bone. There was rapid complete relief of bone pain accompanied by biochemical improvement or normalization in all cases. Calcitonin and glucagon appear to have additive properties in Paget's disease and the use of the 3 drugs in combination may reduce the incidence of side effects and the development of "drug resistance". The cost of treatment might also be reduced if periodic treatment as demonstrated in Case 1 is used.