Teriparatide (Forteo)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a well-balanced diet, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of tobacco products and limited consumption of alcohol. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, you still must continue to make bone healthy lifestyle choices. However, lifestyle modifications alone are often not enough. Your medical professional may tell you that you need an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and to reduce your risk for broken bones.

What are the medication options for osteoporosis?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for osteoporosis prevention and/or treatment including: four bisphosphonate medications: [alendronate sodium [Fosamax], risedronate sodium [Actonel]),  ibandronate sodium [Boniva]), and zoledronic acid (Reclast)], calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin), estrogen therapy or hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo), Speak to your doctor or medical professional about the medication option that is right for you.

What is teriparatide (Forteo)?

Teriparatide is the generic name for Forteo (brand name). Forteo is a form of human parathyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid hormone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are the four small glands that are located next to the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. PTH is the major hormone in the body that regulates the calcium levels in the blood.

What is the use for (Forteo)?

Forteo is FDA-approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for fracture. Individuals at high risk for fracture include postmenopausal women and men who have had one or more osteoporotic fractures, who have very low bone mineral density, or who have not tolerated or responded successfully to previous medications for osteoporosis.

Who should not use Forteo?

Forteo should not be used to prevent osteoporosis or to treat patients who are not at high risk for fracture. People with Paget's Disease, hyperparathyroidism, elevated blood calcium, metastatic disease from any cancer, those who have had radiation therapy to the skeleton, and young people with growing bones should not use Forteo.

How is Forteo usually prescribed?

Forteo is only available as an injection. The injection is given into the fatty tissue just under the skin, not deeply into the muscle. Forteo is easy to administer. In fact, most individuals can be instructed to give the injection to themselves. When taking Forteo, it is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of Forteo?

Forteo is the only bone-building medication approved by the FDA to treat osteoporosis. Clinical studies have shown that Forteo dramatically increases bone mass, more so than any other FDA-approved osteoporosis medication. In addition to improving bone density, Forteo is the only FDA-approved osteoporosis medication that restores the internal architecture of osteoporotic bone. Forteo reduces the risk for spine and other non-spine fractures in postmenopausal women.

What are the side effects of taking Forteo?

The most common side effects are dizziness and leg cramps. Elevations in blood calcium and urine calcium can also occur. Side effects such as nausea, joint and muscle pains, and general weakness may occur but are rare. The safety and benefits of Forteo have not been evaluated beyond two years, so treatment for longer than two years is not recommended.

Like all medications, it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of taking Forteo with your doctor or medical professional. For more information about Forteo, visit www.forteo.com