Teriparatide is a medication that increases your bone mass and strength. It slows bone loss if you have osteoporosis. This condition causes weak bones that are more prone to breaking. A healthcare provider will teach you how to give yourself this injection.
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TERIPARATIDE (terr ih PAR a tyd) treats osteoporosis. It works by making your bones stronger and less likely to break (fracture).
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FORTEO
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team 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 care team 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.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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.
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.
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.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store the pens in the refrigerator. 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. Get rid of any unused medication 28 days after the first injection from the pen. Get rid of any unopened, unused medication after the expiration date on the label.
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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
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.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.