In this Article

• What is teriparatide (Forteo)?
• What are the possible side effects of teriparatide (Forteo)?
• What is the most important information I should know about teriparatide (Forteo)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using teriparatide (Forteo)?
• How should I use teriparatide (Forteo)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Forteo)?
• What happens if I overdose (Forteo)?
• What should I avoid while using teriparatide (Forteo)?
• What other drugs will affect teriparatide (Forteo)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using teriparatide (Forteo)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to teriparatide.

Before using teriparatide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• Paget's disease or other bone disorders (besides osteoporosis);
• high levels of calcium or alkaline phosphatase in your blood;
• a condition called hyperparathyroidism;
• a bone disease other than osteoporosis;
• a history of bone cancer or radiation treatment involving your bones; or
• if you have ever had kidney stones.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use teriparatide.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether teriparatide passes into breast milk. Do not use teriparatide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication has been found to cause an increased risk of bone cancer in animal studies. It is not known if this risk is also increased in humans treated with teriparatide. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I use teriparatide (Forteo)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Teriparatide is given as an injection under the skin of the thigh or stomach. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Teriparatide can cause you to feel dizzy or light-headed. It may help to sit or lie down for a short time after injecting the medication.

Do not use teriparatide for longer than 2 years unless your doctor tells you to.

Teriparatide is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, vitamins or mineral supplements, and changing certain behaviors. Follow your diet and exercise routines very closely.

It is important to use teriparatide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Teriparatide can be injected at any time of the day. It may be easier to remember to use teriparatide if it is used at about the same time each day.

Do not teriparatide that is discolored or cloudy or that has particles in it. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use teriparatide after the expiration date printed on the pen or pen packaging.

Store the teriparatide injection pen in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Take the pen out of the refrigerator only long enough to use it. After use, recap the pen and put it back into the refrigerator.

Throw away the injection pen after 28 days of use, even if it still has medicine in it.