Forteo (Teriparatide ) for spinal osteoporosis

Forteo is the brand name for Teriparatide (tare-ree-PAIR-ah-tide) a synthetic form of the active part of the parathyroid hormone.

Who uses this this drug?

This drug  is usually prescribed for postmenopausal women and for men who are at risk of spinal fractures from Osteoporosis. The medication has not been shown to be effective for improving hip bone density.

Are their persons who should not use this drug?

Yes.  Persons with Paget's disease should not take the drug.  If your health care provider is considering Forteo (Teriparatide ) be sure to tell your health care provider if you have Paget’s disease. Also you should not take the drug is you have:

-high levels of alkaline phosphatase in your blood,

- a history of radiation therapy that included your bones,

- high amounts of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia ),

- bone cancer or other bone disorders.

Also, if you are a child or young adult and your bones are still growing you should not take this medication.

Finally, Forteo (Teriparatide ) should not normally be used during pregnancy. Also, it is not known if the drug passes into breast milk so you should not be breast feeding if you are on this drug.Finally, if you have any allergies or a medical history of kidney stones be sure to tell your health care provider before accepting a prescription for Forteo (Teriparatdie ).

How will I take Forteo (Teriparatide)?

The medication comes in a pen like device and you use this to inject the drug each day. There is a manual to show you exactly how to take the drug provided with each prescription.You inject Forteo (Teriparatide ) subcutaneously ( under your skin) of your thigh or abdomen. It is best to take your injection at the same time each day so it is important to set a routine for this. Example; I will take my injection as soon as I get home from work.

It is important to use a new needle each time you take the medication. And it is important to store and discard your needles properly.

It is also important to check your medication before you use it to see if there are any floating particles or discoloration. If you see either particles or discoloration, do not use the drug. Show your product to your pharmacist before attempting to use it. You might need a new refill.

If you have any questions or concerns about taking the drug, do ask your health care provider or pharmacist for assistance.

What should I expect after I take my injection of Forteo (Teriparatide )

Some people feel a bit dizzy or they have a fast heartbeat after their first few injections and so it is important to take your medication where you can sit or lie down afterwards if you need that. Other people experience leg cramps. If this happens, again sit down until they pass. If you have such reactive symptoms and they do not pass after a week, do contact your health care provider.

If you have any unusual reactions eg. rash, swelling, itch, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, muscle weakness or sluggishness call your health care provider immediately since these could be signs of an allergic reaction to the drug and you might need immediate medical attention. If you can not reach your health care provider, seek immediate medical attention. Finally, if you get constipated after taking the drug, contact your health care provider before continuing with the medication.

Are their any cautions I should know about before taking this drug?

Yes, some people feel dizzy after taking their shot. Use caution driving or using machinery. You should limit any use of alcoholic beverages.To minimize your dizziness and light headedness, get up slowly when standing up after sitting or lying down. seated or lying position.

Research reports

If you want to read a report about the Clinical Practice Guidelines by Anthony Hodsman, Aleandra Papaionannou and Ann Crenney for the Scientifica Advisory Council of Osteoporosis in Canada go to: Report Forteo (Teriparatide)

The East Anglia review of Forteo (Teriparatide) States in part:

"The drugs place in therapy is second or third line to bisphosphonates and other agents with similar action as it has not been shown to reduce hip fracture rates and is very expensive.

Teriparatide may be a treatment option in very severe disease where an effect on bone formation is required rather than simply preventing a further reduction in BMD.

It is a treatment option, for the secondary prevention of osteoporotic fragility fractures in women aged 65yrs and over who are intolerant of or who have had an unsatisfactory response to bisphosphonates and who:

• have a very low BMD (-4 SD or below) or

• low BMD (-3.2 SD) plus multiple fractures (two or more) plus one or more additional age-dependent risk factors (low BMI - <19kg/m2, family history of maternal hip fracture before the age of 75yrs, untreated premature menopause, conditions associated with prolonged immobility and long-term systemic corticosteroid use).

For the purpose of this guidance an unsatisfactory response to bisphosphonates is regarded as another fragility fracture despite the patient adhering fully to treatment for one year and where there is also evidence of a decline in BMD below the patient’s pre-treatment baseline."

Read about other Osteopenia, Osteoporosis Medications