Teriparatide Dosing

The recommended teriparatide dosage for the treatment of osteoporosis is 20 mcg injected just under the skin in the abdomen or thigh once daily. Since you may experience dizziness during the first few doses, make sure to sit down before injecting teriparatide. Dosing guidelines must be followed as prescribed in order for the medication to work properly.

 

Teriparatide Dosing: An Introduction

There is only one recommended dose of teriparatide (Forteo™), regardless of your age, weight, or other medical conditions. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Teriparatide Dosing for Osteoporosis

The recommended dose of teriparatide for osteoporosis treatment in men and postmenopausal women is 20 mcg injected once daily just under the skin in the abdomen (lower stomach area) or thigh. Currently, people are not advised to take teriparatide for more than two years, since the drug has not been studied for long-term use.
 

General Information on Dosing With Teriparatide

Considerations for people taking teriparatide include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in injectable form. It is injected once daily just under the skin in the abdomen (lower stomach) or thigh.
     
  • You can take teriparatide with or without food. You can take the drug at any time of the day, but it is a good idea to take it at the same time each day.
     
  • Your healthcare provider should teach you exactly how to inject teriparatide. Make sure you understand how to give yourself the injections.
     
  • You should be sitting down when you give yourself your first few teriparatide injections in case you get dizzy.
     
  • You should use a new needle for each dose.
     
  • Each teriparatide pen can be used for only 28 days after the first use. You must discard the pen after 28 days, even if there is some medicine left in it.
     
  • You need to make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while taking teriparatide, as the drug cannot build bone without these substances.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Teriparatide will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to teriparatide or teriparatide dosing, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;