What it is
Teriparatide is a man-made form of the active part of parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is a bone-building osteoporosis medicine.
Most osteoporosis drugs slow bone loss. Teriparatide, given once a day, does something different: it stimulates cells that build new bone.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved (Forteo and other teriparatide products) for osteoporosis in people at high risk of fracture, including postmenopausal women, men, and people with steroid-related osteoporosis. The label was updated in 2020 to remove the boxed warning about bone cancer seen in rats.
What the research shows
Large trials showed teriparatide increases bone density and lowers the risk of spine fractures and some other fractures. Rats given high amounts developed bone cancer (osteosarcoma), but long-term human monitoring has not shown a clear increase.
How it is given
Daily subcutaneous injection (pen)
Commonly reported side effects
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
- Leg cramps
- Higher calcium levels
- General pain
Questions to ask your provider
- How will we decide how long I stay on teriparatide?
- What medicine should I take after I finish it to keep my bone gains?
- Do I need calcium or vitamin D checks while on it?