Indications & Uses
Forteo is indicated for:
Pharmacology
The body makes endogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH), which has 84 amino acids, and it is the main regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism in bone and kidney. Its normal actions include regulating bone metabolism, renal tubular reabsorption of calcium and phosphate, and intestinal calcium absorption. Both PTH and teriparatide work by binding to specific high-affinity receptors on the cell surface.
Teriparatide is the same as the first 34 amino acids (the N-terminal end) of PTH. These bind to the receptors with the same affinity and have the same physiological actions on bone and kidney. Teriparatide is not expected to accumulate in bone or other tissues.
How teriparatide affects the skeleton depends on the pattern of systemic exposure. When it is given once daily, it stimulates new bone formation on trabecular and cortical (periosteal and/or endosteal) bone surfaces, because it stimulates osteoblastic activity more than osteoclastic activity. In monkey studies, teriparatide improved trabecular microarchitecture and increased bone mass and strength by stimulating new bone formation in both cancellous and cortical bone. In humans, its anabolic effects show up as an increase in skeletal mass, an increase in markers of bone formation and resorption, and an increase in bone strength.
The picture is different when endogenous PTH stays in continuous excess, as it does in hyperparathyroidism. That may harm the skeleton, because bone resorption may be stimulated more than bone formation.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Dosage
Treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture: the recommended dose of Teriparatide is 20 mcg subcutaneously once a day.
Increase of bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture: the recommended dose is 20 mcg subcutaneously once a day.
Treatment of men and women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis at high risk for fracture: the recommended dose is again 20 mcg subcutaneously once a day.
Pediatric use: the safety and efficacy of Teriparatide have not been established in any pediatric population.
Hepatic impairment: no studies have been performed in patients with hepatic impairment.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of teriparatide are joint pain (arthralgia), pain, and nausea.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Patients with Paget's disease of bone, children and young adults with open epiphyses, and patients who have had external beam or implant radiation involving the skeleton should not be treated with Forteo. Teriparatide should not be used for more than 2 years during a patient's lifetime. Patients with bone metastases, a history of skeletal malignancies, metabolic bone diseases other than osteoporosis, or hypercalcemic disorders should not be treated with Forteo either. Teriparatide may raise serum calcium, urinary calcium and serum uric acid. Use it with caution in patients with active or recent urolithiasis, because the condition may get worse. Transient orthostatic hypotension may occur with the first doses of Teriparatide.
Contraindications
Don't give Teriparatide to anyone who is hypersensitive to teriparatide or to any of the other ingredients in the product (the excipients). Reactions that have occurred include angioedema and anaphylaxis.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
We don't have any data on Teriparatide use in pregnant women, so it's not possible to judge the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other harm to the mother or the baby. If pregnancy is recognised, the doctor may consider stopping Teriparatide. It's also not known whether teriparatide passes into human milk, whether it changes milk production, or whether it has any effect on a breastfed infant.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep the Teriparatide delivery device in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C at all times. Don't let it freeze, and if Teriparatide has been frozen, don't use it.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Forteo 20 mcg
What is Forteo 20 mcg SC Injection?
Forteo 20 mcg SC Injection is a medicine that contains Teriparatide. It is made by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Thyroid drugs & hormone group of medicines.
What is Forteo used for?
Forteo is used for: Osteoporosis.
What are the side effects of Forteo?
The most common side effects of teriparatide are joint pain (arthralgia), pain, and nausea.
Can I take Forteo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
We don't have any data on Teriparatide use in pregnant women, so it's not possible to judge the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other harm to the mother or the baby. If pregnancy is recognised, the doctor may consider stopping Teriparatide. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Forteo?
Keep the Teriparatide delivery device in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C at all times. Don't let it freeze, and if Teriparatide has been frozen, don't use it.
Can I take other medicines with Forteo?
Some medicines can interact with Teriparatide, for example: Furosemide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Forteo?
Forteo is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.