Teriparatide

What is teriparatide?

Teriparatide is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss), when other commonly used medicines such as bisphosphonates don't work well enough or are not suitable. Teriparatide lessens the risk of a broken bone or fracture.

In New Zealand teriparatide is available as an injection that is given under your skin. Teriparatide is kept in the fridge.

Dose

• The dose of teriparatide is 20 micrograms injected once daily, usually for up to 18 months.
• Always use your teriparatide exactly as your doctor has told you.
• The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much teriparatide to use, how often to take it and any special instructions.

How to use teriparatide

• Injection site: Inject teriparatide under your skin (subcutaneously), in your thigh or in your abdomen (tummy area). 
• Time of day: Try to give your injection around the same time every day to help you remember. The best time is at night before going to bed.
• Prefilled pen: Teriparatide comes in a pen-shaped device to make the daily injection easier. The pen injector contains enough medicine for 28 doses. Throw away the pen after 28 days of use, even if it isn't empty.
• Needles: Use a new needle for each injection. Don't store your pen with the needle attached. If you do this, solution may leak from the pen and air bubbles form in the cartridge.
• Missed dose: If you forget your dose, inject it as soon as you remember that day. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just inject the next dose at the right time. Do not inject more than one dose per day.
• Supplements: Your doctor will usually recommend that you also take calcium and vitamin D as treatment for osteoporosis.

Precautions before starting teriparatide

• Do you have problems with your kidneys?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Have you had radiation therapy?

If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start teriparatide. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

What are the side effects of teriparatide?

Like all medicines, teriparatide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Interactions

Teriparatide may interact with a few medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting teriparatide and before starting any new medicines.

Learn more

Forteo® Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet, NZ
Teriparatide Arthritis Australia

Useful resources for healthcare professionals

Teriparatide NZ Formulary
Forteo® Medsafe, NZ