Forteo

The active ingredient in Forteo is teriparatide. Forteo is an available osteoporosis therapy that acts similarly to the body’s human parathyroid hormone, or PTH. PTH is vital for controlling serum calcium levels and maintaining bone health. This drug boosts bone formation by stimulating the cells responsible for creating new bones, which in turn can increase bone mass. Consequently, this decreases the likelihood of bone fractures.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product labeling, Instructions for Use (User Manual), and Medication Guide before using Forteo. It contains important information regarding the medication and its usage.

It's important to follow the prescribed dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and not exceed the dose you have been given. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate duration of treatment based on your individual needs.

Usually, the recommended daily dose for this teriparatide injection is 20 micrograms, or 20 mcg, administered through subcutaneous injection (under the skin). You can conveniently inject it once daily by yourself in injection sites such as the lower abdominal or outer region of your thigh. Speak to your doctor about what location is best for you.

In addition to your Forteo prescription, some healthcare providers may recommend taking a vitamin D supplement while on Forteo. This is because both Forteo and vitamin D work together to enhance bone health.

The most common side effects of Forteo in clinical trials when compared to placebo include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild dizziness
• Joint aches or pain
• Mild skin reactions at the injection site
• Muscle weakness
• Runny nose
• Dizziness
• High blood pressuree

Rarely, Forteo may cause some severe side effects, including:

• Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, tongue, face, or throat swelling)
• Increased risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• High levels of calcium (hypercalcemia) that can cause kidney stones
• Sudden low blood pressure and fainting when standing up after sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension)

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Forteo. You can report your adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before starting Forteo, discussing any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider is essential. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• High-risk factors for hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood) such as an autoimmune disorder, hyperparathyroidism, or kidney failure.
• A risk of developing osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
• Paget’s disease
• Unexplained high levels of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, or have had bone-focused radiation therapy.
• Open epiphysis (bones that are still growing).
• This is specific for children or young adults. You should not take Forteo.
• You have taken prednisone for a long time.
• You are at higher risk of having osteoporosis, which could affect Forteo’s bone-building capabilities.
• Monitoring calcium levels is crucial if you are taking both medications.

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A hypersensitivity to teriparatide or to any of its excipients

Initial Effects: Some improvement in bone density can be seen within 3 to 6 months of starting Forteo treatment.

Full Effect: It may take 12 months or more of continuous treatment to see substantial benefits in terms of bone strength and reduced fracture risk.

When Forteo is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. It is important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor. This will help prevent contraindications and ensure it’s a safe choice to start treatment with Forteo. Some interactions with Forteo include:

• Digoxin
• Concomitant use has the potential risk of intensified heart effects.
• Careful monitoring of calcium and digoxin levels is necessary to prevent complications.

There may be other interactions. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Forteo (teriparatide) is available in a 600 mcg/2.4 ml (250 mcg/ml) prefilled delivery device (pen) that contains 28 daily doses of 20 mcg.

There are a few rules to follow for storing Forteo, including:

• Keep it refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), except for when you’re using it.
• Protect the cartridge from physical damage and light by capping the delivery device (pen) when you’re not using it.
• Use it immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator to minimize the time it spends outside.
• Don’t freeze it, and do not use it if it has been frozen.

Forteo (teriparatide) is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical company.

There is no lower-cost generic available for the brand name Forteo.

To stop using Forteo, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider for a safe discontinuation plan.

It is generally recommended that you avoid pregnancy or do not Forteo while pregnant. Speak to your doctor about what is best for you; they most likely will recommend that you take birth control while on Forteo.

There isn’t much information about whether Forteo can pass into breast milk or how it might affect a breastfeeding baby. If you’re breastfeeding and considering Forteo, you should discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.