palopegteriparatide at a glance
Medicine class
Parathyroid hormone replacement therapy
Licensed use
Chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults
Administration
Injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen
Key monitoring
Blood calcium requires monitoring, particularly when treatment or related medicines change
What is palopegteriparatide used for?
UK-licensed use:
Parathyroid hormone replacement therapy for adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism.
How does palopegteriparatide work?
Palopegteriparatide is a prodrug that gradually releases PTH(1-34), an active fragment of parathyroid hormone. It activates parathyroid hormone receptors, increasing kidney calcium retention and phosphate removal, supporting active vitamin D production and influencing bone turnover.
palopegteriparatide preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 168 micrograms/0.56 mL, 294 micrograms/0.98 mL, 420 micrograms/1.4 mL
How to take palopegteriparatide
A healthcare professional should provide pen training before self-injection. Follow the supplied instructions for use.
Inject under the skin of the abdomen or front of the thigh and rotate between left and right sites.
Use a new needle each time, remove it afterwards and never share the pen.
Only inject solution that is clear, colourless and free from particles.
Keep unopened pens refrigerated and never freeze them. After first use, follow the pack's room-temperature storage and disposal instructions.
palopegteriparatide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site redness or other local reactions
- Headache
- Pins and needles or tingling
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Muscle or joint pain
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- High blood calcium, which may cause thirst, vomiting, confusion, weakness or an irregular heartbeat
- Low blood calcium, which may cause tingling around the mouth or limbs, muscle twitching, cramps or spasms
- Fainting, marked postural dizziness, chest pain or concerning palpitations
palopegteriparatide in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited, so risk cannot be excluded. Starting, continuing or stopping palopegteriparatide requires specialist assessment of benefits and risks, with close monitoring of maternal calcium.
palopegteriparatide while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether palopegteriparatide enters human milk, although oral absorption by the infant is considered unlikely. The benefits of breastfeeding and treatment should be reviewed with the specialist, and maternal calcium should be monitored closely.
palopegteriparatide interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Medicines affecting calcium can alter the response to palopegteriparatide.
Digoxin, digitoxin and other cardiac glycosides
High calcium can increase cardiac glycoside toxicity; calcium, medicine levels and toxicity symptoms may require monitoring.
Bisphosphonates, denosumab or romosozumab
These bone treatments can alter blood calcium and the response to palopegteriparatide.
Thiazide or loop diuretics
These can change blood calcium, so additional monitoring may be needed.
Common questions about palopegteriparatide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is palopegteriparatide the same as teriparatide?
Palopegteriparatide is a prodrug that releases PTH(1-34), also called teriparatide, in a controlled manner. Products should not be assumed to be interchangeable.
Does palopegteriparatide replace calcium and active vitamin D?
It may reduce the need for conventional supplements, but calcium and active vitamin D must be adjusted using blood results. Patients should not alter them without their specialist's instructions.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.