Forteo

Generic name:teriparatide [ ter-i-PAR-a-tide ]
Drug class:Parathyroid hormone and analogs

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on May 2, 2021.

What is Forteo?

Forteo is a man-made form of parathyroid hormone that exists naturally in the body. Teriparatide increases bone mineral density and bone strength, which may prevent fractures.

Forteo is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure.

Forteo is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis.

Warnings

Forteo has caused bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in animals but it is not known whether this would occur in people using this medicine. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Tell your doctor if you have conditions such as Paget's disease, high blood levels of calcium or alkaline phosphatase, or a history of bone cancer or radiation treatment involving your bones.

Avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.Smoking or heavy drinking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.

Forteo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Forteo: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• bone pain;

• new or unusual swelling or lumps under your skin;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out (may occur within 4 hours after injection);

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest after using an injection; or...