What is Teriparatide (Forteo®)?
Teriparatide is commonly known by the brand name Forteo®. Forteo® is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Forteo is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is naturally found in the body, that stimulates the formation of new bone and leads to increased bone mineral density.
How do I take it?
Forteo® is administered by injection once a day in the thigh or abdomen. The recommended dose is 20 mcg per day. Follow your doctor’s directions.
What else should I know?
Persons with elevated calcium levels, women who are pregnant or nursing, or persons who have ever been diagnosed with bone cancer or other cancers that have spread to the bones, should not use Forteo®. Because long-term treatment effects are not known at this time, therapy for more than two years is not recommended. In animal studies, there was an increase in bone cancer. Although this was not found in humans treated with Forteo®, increased risk of developing this cancer cannot be ruled out.
What about other medications?
When you are taking Forteo®, it is very important that your doctors know if you are taking any other medicine. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements.
