Teriparatide
Drug Name(s): Bonsity, Forteo
Class: Bone-forming agents
Type: Parathyroid Hormone
Used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who cannot use other treatments, to increase bone mass in men with hypogonadal osteoporosis who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments, and to treat both women and men with osteoporosis due to use of corticosteroid medications.
Dosage
Form(s): auto-injector pen
20 mcg injection once a day
Special Instructions
Keep pens refrigerated. Do not freeze. Inject into thigh or abdomen or upper arm. Throw away pen after 28 doses even if it is not empty.
Potential Side Effects
Dizziness, joint pain, leg cramps
Be Aware
Do not use if you have ever had bone cancer or radiation or if you have high blood levels of calcium. Urine tests should be done to monitor calcium excretion if you have urinary tract stones or a high calcium level. Should not be used in children. Do not take for more than 2 years. Transient orthostatic hypotension — a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand from a seated or lying down position — may occur with initial doses of this drug, causing you to be dizzy or faint.
