GENERIC NAME: TERIPARATIDE - INJECTION (tare-ree-PAIR-ah-tide)

BRAND NAME(S): Forteo

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication has been shown to increase the rate of bone tumors (osteosarcoma) in animal (rat) studies. However, the increase occurred at doses higher than the normal human dose. Because it is unknown if there is a higher risk of bone tumors in humans, teriparatide should only be used in patients for whom the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Teriparatide should not be used in patients who are at an increased risk of developing bone tumors (e.g., patients with Paget's disease, unexplained elevations of alkaline phosphatase, open epiphyses, or prior radiation therapy involving the skeleton).

USES: This medication is used in women after menopause and in men to treat bone weakening (osteoporosis). It is also used in patients who are at high risk of getting fractures, have had fractures, or who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide is a man-made (synthetic) form of the active part of a natural hormone (parathyroid hormone). It works by increasing bone mass and strength which decreases the chance of getting a fracture.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions regarding the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is provided in a pen device for injection of the drug. A manual is provided with instructions on the proper way to prepare and inject this drug. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about giving yourself shots. Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously) into the thigh or abdominal wall, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Use a new needle with each dose. Learn how to store and discard needles properly. You may feel dizzy or have a fast heartbeat after the first few doses. In case you experience these symptoms, inject this medication where you can sit or lie down right away if necessary. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Menopause - Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal itching, dryness, and pain, urinary symptoms, weight gain, acne, skin texture changes, and mood changes. Source:MedicineNet Osteoporosis - Get information on osteoporosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (drugs), prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), statistics, risk factors (hereditary) and research. Source:MedicineNet Fracture - Read about fracture of bone(s). The most common fractures are stress fractures, rib fractures, skull fractures, and fractures in children. Causes vary and treatment is dependant upon the type of fracture. Source:MedicineNet Read 40 more teriparatide-injection related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection