Teriparatide

Teriparatide is a medication that is used for treating osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fractures. It is a manufactured version of a naturally occurring hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate in the body. Teriparatide, which is available by prescription, is injected under the skin once daily. Possible side effects include leg cramps, dizziness, and joint pain.

 

What Is Teriparatide?

Teriparatide (Forteo™) is a prescription osteoporosis medication. It is approved to treat men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are at a high risk for fractures (broken bones). Unlike most other osteoporosis medications, teriparatide cannot be taken orally; instead, it is taken as a daily injection.
 
(Click What Is Teriparatide Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Teriparatide Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with teriparatide. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of teriparatide include but are not limited to:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Leg cramps
  • Joint pain.
     
(Click Side Effects of Teriparatide to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Teriparatide Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;