teriparatide at a glance
Medicine class
Parathyroid hormone analogue and bone-forming treatment
Main role
Treating osteoporosis in adults at increased risk of fracture
Administration
Injection under the skin of the thigh or abdomen using a pen
Storage
Keep refrigerated, do not freeze and return the pen to the refrigerator immediately after use
What is teriparatide used for?
It is licensed for adults at increased risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Osteoporosis in men
Osteoporosis associated with sustained systemic glucocorticoid treatment in women or men
How does teriparatide work?
Teriparatide contains the active part of human parathyroid hormone. It stimulates bone-forming osteoblasts, increasing new bone formation, and affects calcium and phosphate handling by the kidneys and gut.
How to take teriparatide
Use the injection pen exactly as demonstrated by a healthcare professional and follow its user manual.
Inject under the skin of the thigh or abdomen.
Use a new sterile needle for every injection and dispose of it safely afterwards.
Never share the pen or store it with a needle attached.
Return the pen to the refrigerator immediately after use; do not freeze it.
Do not use solution that is cloudy, coloured or contains particles.
It may be administered with or without food.
teriparatide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain in an arm or leg
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Feeling faint, palpitations or low blood pressure
- Muscle cramps or tiredness
- Mild injection-site pain, redness, swelling, itching or bruising
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including severe breathing difficulty, facial or mouth swelling, widespread hives or collapse
- Chest pain or marked breathlessness
- Fainting or severe dizziness that does not settle
- Severe back pain or cramps occurring soon after injection
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness or unusual tiredness, which may indicate high calcium
teriparatide in pregnancy
Teriparatide is contraindicated during pregnancy. Effective contraception is advised for people who could become pregnant; stop treatment and contact the prescriber if pregnancy occurs.
teriparatide while breastfeeding
The selected product is contraindicated while breastfeeding, and it is unknown whether teriparatide enters human milk. Discuss alternatives with the specialist or prescriber.
teriparatide interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements.
Digoxin and other digitalis medicines
A temporary rise in blood calcium may increase susceptibility to digitalis toxicity; clinical caution is required.
Hydrochlorothiazide
A pharmacodynamic study found no clinically significant interaction.
Raloxifene or hormone replacement therapy
Studies found no alteration in effects on blood or urine calcium or in clinical adverse events.
Common questions about teriparatide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is teriparatide used for?
It treats osteoporosis in adults at increased risk of fracture, including osteoporosis associated with sustained systemic glucocorticoid treatment.
How does teriparatide strengthen bones?
It acts like the active part of human parathyroid hormone and stimulates cells that form new bone.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.