Teriparatide injection

What is this medication?

TERIPARATIDE (terr ih PAR a tyd) increases bone mass and strength. It helps to make healthy bone and to slow bone loss in people with osteoporosis. This medicine helps prevent bone fractures.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FORTEO

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone disease other than osteoporosis
• high levels of calcium in the blood
• history of cancer in the bone
• kidney stone
• Paget's disease
• parathyroid disease
• receiving radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to teriparatide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

This drug comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this drug. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

It is important that you put your used needles and pens in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or health care provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• digoxin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your doctor may order blood tests and other tests to see how you are doing.

You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blood in the urine; pain in the lower back or side; pain when urinating
• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired
• signs and symptoms of increased calcium like nausea; vomiting; constipation; low energy; or muscle weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• joint pain
• nausea
• pain, redness, irritation or swelling at the injection site
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the pens in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Use the pen quickly after taking out of the refrigerator and recap and return to refrigerator right after using. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine 28 days after the first injection from the pen. Throw away any unopened, unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.