Forteo™ (
teriparatide) is a prescription medication approved to treat men and postmenopausal women with
osteoporosis who are at a high risk for fractures (broken bones). Unlike most other
osteoporosis medications, Forteo cannot be taken orally; instead, it is taken as a daily injection.
Forteo is made by Eli Lilly and Company.
Forteo is a manufactured version of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a naturally occurring hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate in the body. PTH can have beneficial or harmful effects on the bone, depending on the pattern of exposure to PTH. Having high PTH all the time (known medically as hyperparathyroidism) can lead to bone loss. However, when PTH is given once a day (such as with Forteo), it seems to have the opposite effect, helping to build new bone.
This medication has been evaluated in several studies for various osteoporosis-related uses.
Forteo and Postmenopausal Women
Forteo has been evaluated in four studies of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In these studies, taking Forteo (along with calcium and vitamin D) reduced the risk of vertebral fractures (broken spinal bones) by 65 percent, compared to women who took just calcium and vitamin D. Forteo also reduced the risk of non-vertebral fractures (broken bones other than the spine) by 53 percent. Also, women taking it showed increased bone mineral density, compared to the women not taking the drug.
Forteo and Men
Studies have shown that Forteo can help increase bone mineral density in men with
osteoporosis. Studies have not shown that Forteo prevents broken bones in men. However, this is most likely due to the small number of men in these studies, since studies need many people in order to show any changes in the frequency of broken bones.
When and How to Take Forteo
General considerations for when and how to take Forteo include the following:
- The medication comes in an injectable form. It is injected once daily just under the skin, in the abdomen (lower stomach) or thigh.
- You can take it with or without food.
- You can take it 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 it. Make sure you understand how to give yourself the injections.
- You should be sitting down when you give yourself your first few injections, in case you get dizzy.
- You should use a new needle for each dose.
- Each Forteo 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 drug left in it.
- You need to make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while taking Forteo, as the medicine cannot build bone without these substances.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one recommended dosage, 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.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. 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 Forteo include but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Joint pain.
(Click Forteo Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Forteo
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Forteo if you have:
- High blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
- Unexplained high alkaline phosphate levels in the blood
- Paget's disease of the bone
- Undergone radiation treatments
- Bone cancer (or have had bone cancer in the past)
- Kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Forteo?
People who take too much Forteo may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Forteo pens should be stored in the refrigerator at all times. Take the pen out of the refrigerator just long enough to give yourself the injection each day. Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children. Do not freeze it, and do not use any Forteo that has been frozen.
Each Forteo 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.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Forteo as scheduled and remember on the same day, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Forteo is available in one strength: the Forteo pen, which delivers 20 mcg of medicine per injection. Although each pen contains more than enough medicine for 28 doses, you must discard the pen after 28 days after the first use. You will need to purchase pen needles separately in order to use the Forteo pen. Pen needles are specially designed needles that work with pen injection devices. Ask your healthcare provider about the pen needles, as you may need a prescription for them. Pen needles are available at most pharmacies.
At this time, Forteo is not available in generic form
(see Generic Forteo).
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