Teriparatide (Forteo)
An FDA-approved daily shot made from part of parathyroid hormone that builds new bone in people with osteoporosis.
- Evidence
- Extensive clinical research
- Half-life
- ~1 hour
- Sources
- 2 cited
Is teriparatide FDA-approved?
FDA-approved since 2002.
Overview
Teriparatide is the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone. Given once a day, it switches on bone-building cells more than bone-removing ones. In the key trial in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, it cut new spine fractures by about 65%.
How it works
Short daily bursts of parathyroid hormone signal tell bone-forming cells to lay down new bone, raising bone density.
How long does teriparatide stay in the body?
About 1 hour; levels peak about 30 minutes after a shot.
What it's studied for
- Osteoporosis at high fracture risk
- Fracture healing
Reported side effects
- Dizziness, leg cramps, nausea
- Temporary rise in blood calcium
How should teriparatide be stored?
Keep the pen in the fridge; use within 28 days of first use.
Related: Oxytocin, PT-141 (Bremelanotide), Triptorelin, Melanotan I (Afamelanotide).
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Effect of parathyroid hormone (1-34) on fractures and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med, 2001 PubMed
- Forteo (teriparatide) prescribing information. DailyMed DailyMed
