What is Forteo?
Forteo, a synthetic form of paraathyroid hormone, is found naturally in the human body. Teriparatide can increase bone mineral density and bone strength and prevent fractures. Forteo treats osteoporosis that is caused by menopause or gonadal failure. Forteo should be used when there is a high risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
Warnings
Forteo causes bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in animals, but it is unknown if this will occur in humans who use this medicine. Speak to your physician about the risks you are exposed to. If you have a history of bone cancer, radiation therapy, or high levels of alkaline or calcium phosphatase in your blood, tell your doctor. Do not smoke or drink alcohol. Heavy drinking or smoking can cause your bone density to decrease, increasing the risk of fractures.
Side effects of Forteo
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or hives, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Bone pain
- New or unusual lumps or swellings under the skin
- A feeling of light-headedness, as if you could pass out (may happen within 4 hours following injection);
- After using an injection, you may experience a pounding or fluttering heartbeat.
- High levels of calcium, confusion, muscle weakness, and nausea. Constipation.
Some of the side effects that may occur with forteo include:
- Nausea;
- Joint pain;
- Your body can experience pain anywhere on its system.
There may be additional adverse reactions. For medical advice related to side effects, call your physician. For reporting side effects contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before you take this drug
Forteo should not be used if you have an allergy to teriparatides. Forteo should not be used in children and young adults who are still growing bones.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Forteo will be safe for you:
- Paget’s disease, or another bone disease other than osteoporosis.
- Bone cancer or radiation therapy;
- A genetic condition that increases the risk of developing bone cancer.
- Overactive parathyroid glands;
- High blood calcium levels
- A painful skin condition that is caused by excessive calcium
- Kidney disease
- A kidney stone.
- An autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis.
Teriparatide is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Teriparatide is not known to pass into breast milk or if it can harm a baby who is nursing. Forteo should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Forteo?
Forteo should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Read all the instructions on the prescription label. Forteo can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medicine by a healthcare provider. Forteo should be taken at the same time every day. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Forteo should only be prepared when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist. Your healthcare provider can show you the best place to inject Forteo. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.
Only use the Forteo injection pen. You could overdose if you transferred the medication to a syringe or any other injectable device. Teriparatide may make you feel light-headed or dizzy. Give your injection at a place and time where you will be able to sit or lay down for a few minutes afterward. Each prefilled pen contains enough teriparatide to perform 28 injections. After 28 injections, throw away the pen, even if it still contains medicine. Forteo is only one part of an overall treatment plan that may include diet, exercise, and taking vitamin or mineral supplements. You should follow your doctor's advice.
When not in use, store the Forteo Injection Pen in the refrigerator. Only remove the pen from the fridge for the time it takes to use the product. Remove the needle and cap the pen after use. Then, return it to your refrigerator. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of the reach of pets and children. Forteo should not be frozen. If it is, throw the medicine away. The length of treatment with Forteo will be determined by your doctor. Forteo can be prescribed for as little as two years.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for osteoporosis:
Subcutaneously, 20 mcg once daily into the abdominal or thigh wall
Duration of therapy: A lifetime use exceeding 2 years is only recommended if the fracture risk is high.
Comments:
This drug is indicated for men and women who are at high fracture risk or have not responded to or cannot tolerate other osteoporosis treatments.
High fracture is defined by a history of osteoporotic or multiple fracture risk factors.
If your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D is insufficient, you should take additional supplements.
Uses:
For the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal females
To increase bone mass among men with primary osteoporosis or hypogonadal
treatment of osteoporosis in men and women who have sustained systemic glucocorticoids (equivalent to Prednisone at 5 mg/day).
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the missed dose the day after you forget it. Continue to take your daily dose, and use your next dose as usual. Use no more than one dose in a single day.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Smoking can cause bone loss. Smoking can cause your bone mineral density to decrease, increasing the likelihood of fractures. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Bone loss can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Digoxin, digitalis.
- Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven);
- Steroid medication (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, and others).
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with teriparatide. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
