Drug info

Teriparatide (Injection)

David Cohen, M.D.Published 3 January 20053 min read

Key points

Treats osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones) in men, and women who have gone through menopause.
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to teriparatide.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Teriparatide (ter-i-PAR-a-tide)

Treats osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones) in men, and women who have gone through menopause.

Forteo
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to teriparatide.

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
This medicine comes in a special pre-filled pen. Be sure to put the cap back on the pen after giving yourself an injection.

If a dose is missed::

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in the refrigerator. Take the pen out of the refrigerator only long enough to give yourself an injection. Then put it back in the refrigerator right away. Do not freeze. Do not use this medicine if it has been frozen.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine and the used pen. You will also need to throw away old medicine 28 days after the first time you use the pen or after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Written and revised by

David Cohen, M.D.

Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.

health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.