Teriparatide injection FAQ

Teriparatide injection is used to treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause ('change in life,' end of menstrual periods), who are at high risk of fractures (broken bones), and cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with certain types of osteoporosis who are at high risk for having broken bones (fractures), and who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide injection is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroids (a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis in some patients) who are at high risk of fractures (broken bones), and cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide injection contains a synthetic form of natural human hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). It works by causing the body to build new bone and by increasing bone strength and density (thickness).

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it that day. However, if the day has already passed, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never inject more than one dose per day.

Teriparatide injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) in your thigh or lower stomach area. This medication comes in prefilled dosing pens. It is usually injected once a day for up to 2 years. To help you remember to use teriparatide injection, use it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use teriparatide injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Keep this medication in the pen it came in with the cap on and without a needle attached, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it in the refrigerator but do not freeze it. Protect it from light. Discard the pen after 28 days of use, even if it is not empty.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to teriparatide injection.

You should eat and drink plenty of foods and drinks that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are using teriparatide injection. Your doctor will tell you which foods and drinks are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a supplement.

The most common side effects of Forteo are Forteo can cause some serious side effects including a drop in blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) and increased calcium in the blood. In animal studies some rats developed osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is a rare but serious form of cancer rarely reported in patients taking Forteo. To investigate if Forteo increases the risk of osteosarcoma, a voluntary patient registry has been developed. Patients can get more information about this registry by calling 1-866-382-6813 or visiting www.forteoregistry.rti.org. Possible serious side effects or adverse events:

Forteo is a prescription medicine that is used to treat:

Prefilled multi-dose pen containing 600 mcg/2.4ml. Each dose is 20 mcg.

Forteo (teriparatide) is a man-made form of parathyroid hormone used to treat osteoporosis, a bone disease that over time causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Forteo is similar to human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and is made using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. PTH is naturally produced by the body and is the key regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism in the bone and kidney. Calcium and phosphate are the main minerals necessary for bone health. PTH also increases the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Forteo binds to the same receptors as natural PTH and mimics the favorable effects of PTH on bone health. Beneficial effects of Forteo in osteoporosis treatment include reduced bone turnover, formation of new bone, and increased bone mineral density and bone strength. Common side effects of Forteo include Serious side effects of Forteo include

The most common side effects of Forteo are Forteo can cause some serious side effects including a drop in blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) and increased calcium in the blood. In animal studies some rats developed osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is a rare but serious form of cancer rarely reported in patients taking Forteo. To investigate if Forteo increases the risk of osteosarcoma, a voluntary patient registry has been developed. Patients can get more information about this registry by calling 1-866-382-6813 or visiting www.Forteoregistry.rti.org. Possible serious side effects or adverse events: