Teriparatide (Forteo®) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss) in men and women who are at high risk of fracture. It is made similar to our body's parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is important to maintain healthy bones. Teriparatide works by stimulating new bone formation and increasing bone strength therefore reducing the risk of fracture.
You may be recommended to supplement vitamin D and calcium when you start this medication
During testing, teriparatide used in rats, developed osteosarcoma (bone cancer) with higher doses and longer periods of treatment. Osteosarcoma in human is serious but a very rare cancer. Before you use Forteo, inform your healthcare provider if you have Paget's disease of bone, unexplained elevation of alkaline phosphatase, are a child or young adult whose bones are still growing or have had radiation therapy.
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