Osteoporosis Drug Zapped Sense of Smell

Q. I took Miacalcin a few years ago, and ever since then my sense of smell has disappeared. That’s dangerous, since I can’t smell smoke or natural gas. It is also sad that I can’t smell bread baking or fresh peaches or any of those wonderful things.

It also affects my sense of taste. I can taste the basics of salty, sweet, hot and sour, but the great delight of good eating is gone. I used to be an excellent cook and published a cookbook, but now that I can’t taste, I can’t season.

I feel that Miacalcin caused this loss. Has anyone else reported a similar side effect?

A. Miacalcin Nasal Spray (calcitonin) is used to treat osteoporosis. Problems with the senses of taste and smell are reported in the official prescribing information. Unfortunately, when a drug affects the sense of smell, there is little that can be done to reverse the problem. This side effect should be better publicized.