Key facts about Teriparatide
What dosages is Teriparatide available in?
Teriparatide is available as a 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL) injection in a single-patient-use prefilled delivery device (pen) containing 28 daily doses of 20 mcg.
What is Teriparatide used for?
Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone analog and is used for the following:
- Osteoporosis in females who’ve gone through menopause (postmenopause)
- Osteoporosis in males
- Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
How does Teriparatide work?
Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone (PTH) analog, meaning it works similarly to the PTH your body normally makes. PTH is a hormone that’s important in balancing bone breakdown and formation to keep your bones healthy. Teriparatide works by promoting bone growth. This helps raise your bone mineral density (BMD), which is a measure of how strong your bones are. A higher BMD means your bones are stronger, which helps lower your risk of bone fractures.
How do I take Teriparatide?
Teriparatide is dosed as 20 mcg injected once a day under the skin of your lower stomach or outer part of your thigh.
Is it safe for me to take Teriparatide?
Teriparatide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Teriparatide Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Teriparatide:
- Body pain
- Joint pain
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Body weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
Teriparatide Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Teriparatide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- High calcium levels in the blood: tiredness, abnormal or irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness
- New or worsening open wound or ulcer on your skin
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Teriparatide
The following medications may interact with Teriparatide:
- Digoxin: Transient hypercalcemia may predispose patients to digitalis toxicity
Who makes Teriparatide?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Teriparatide safe in pregnancy?
There are no available data on Teriparatide use in pregnant women to evaluate for drug-associated risk of major birth
defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Consider discontinuing Teriparatide when pregnancy is
recognized.
