Teriparatide
Information about Teriparatide
Teriparatide uses
Teriparatide is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. It treats osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk of fractures.
How teriparatide works
Teriparatide is a synthetic form of a natural human hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). It works by increasing the number and activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.
Common side effects of teriparatide
Nausea, Joint pain, Leg cramps, Breathlessness, Headache, Dizziness, Fainting, Back pain, Vomiting, Weakness, Depression, Vertigo, Constipation, Pain, High blood pressure, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Inflammation of the nose, Cough, Pharyngitis, Gastrointestinal disorder, Teeth disorder, Increased uric acid level in blood, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Rash, Sweating, Neck pain, Angina, Pneumonia, Increased calcium level in blood, Muscle spasm, Abdominal pain, Injection site redness
Available Medicine for Teriparatide
Expert advice for Teriparatide
- Teriparatide should be injected every day under the skin (subcutaneous injection) of the thigh or abdomen.
- Do not take it for more than 2 years.
- You may have low blood pressure and dizziness during the initial few days.
- If you feel dizzy (light-headed) after injection, sit or lie down until you feel better.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness. These may be signs of high calcium levels in your blood.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Frequently asked questions for Teriparatide
Teriparatide
Q. Is Teriparatide a steroid?
No, Teriparatide is not a steroid. However, this medicine may be used to treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of steroids. Generally, this medicine is used to treat osteoporosis in women of postmenopausal age group and in men who have increased risk of fracture.
Q. Can I take this medication in long term for osteoporosis?
Teriparatide should not be taken for longer than 2-year course. It is important to inform the doctor if you have taken this medication in the past, as you should not receive more than one treatment of 24 months course more than once in your lifetime.
Q. How is Teriparatide stored at home?
Always keep this medicine stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of about 2°C to 8°C. Be cautious, the temperature should not decrease further as freezing may cause the medicine to get damaged and can lead to loss of activity. Therefore, avoid placing the Teriparatide pens close to the ice compartment of the refrigerator. If properly stored this medication can be used up to 28 days after the first injection. If the pen is not empty within 28 days please discard it safely.