Teriparatide – Uses, Mechanism & Side Effects
Teriparatide is a bone-building medication used to treat severe osteoporosis. It is a synthetic parathyroid hormone fragment that actively stimulates new bone formation.
Things worth knowing about "Teriparatide"
Teriparatide is a bone-building medication used to treat severe osteoporosis. It is a synthetic parathyroid hormone fragment that actively stimulates new bone formation.
What is Teriparatide?
Teriparatide is a bone-building (osteoanabolic) medication used to treat severe osteoporosis. It is a synthetically produced fragment of human parathyroid hormone (PTH), specifically the first 34 amino acids of PTH (PTH 1-34). Unlike most other osteoporosis treatments that work by slowing bone loss, teriparatide actively stimulates the formation of new bone tissue.
Indication – When is Teriparatide Used?
Teriparatide is approved for:
- Severe postmenopausal osteoporosis in women at high risk of fractures
- Osteoporosis in men at increased risk of fractures
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in both women and men
It is typically prescribed when other osteoporosis therapies (e.g., bisphosphonates) have been insufficiently effective or were not tolerated by the patient.
Mechanism of Action
Teriparatide mimics the natural action of parathyroid hormone by binding to PTH receptors (PTH1R) on osteoblasts – the cells responsible for building bone. When administered in an intermittent fashion, as with a once-daily injection, the anabolic (bone-building) effect predominates:
- Stimulation of osteoblasts to produce new bone
- Increase in bone mass and improvement of bone microstructure
- Reduction of fracture risk, particularly at the spine and hip
This mechanism differs fundamentally from antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates, which slow bone breakdown but do not generate new bone mass.
Dosage and Administration
Teriparatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), typically once daily at a dose of 20 micrograms. The injection is usually given in the thigh or abdomen and can be self-administered by patients using a pre-filled pen device. The maximum treatment duration is 24 months (2 years), as the benefit-risk profile beyond this period has not been sufficiently established. After completing teriparatide therapy, a follow-up antiresorptive treatment (e.g., with bisphosphonates) is generally recommended to preserve the newly built bone.
Side Effects
Like all medications, teriparatide can cause side effects. Commonly reported side effects include:
- Pain in the limbs (arms and legs)
- Nausea and dizziness, especially after injection
- Headache
- Reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling)
- Transient hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in the blood)
Less common but more serious side effects may include:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) following injection
- Elevated uric acid levels in the blood
Contraindications
Teriparatide must not be used in patients with:
- Pre-existing hypercalcemia
- Severe renal impairment
- Metabolic bone diseases other than primary osteoporosis (e.g., Paget's disease of bone)
- Unexplained elevation of alkaline phosphatase
- Prior radiation therapy to the skeleton
- Bone metastases or malignant bone conditions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA): Forsteo (Teriparatide) – Summary of Product Characteristics. EMA, 2023.
- Lamy, O. et al.: Teriparatide in the treatment of osteoporosis: clinical utility and patient perspectives. Patient Preference and Adherence, 2017.
- Compston, J. et al.: UK clinical guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Archives of Osteoporosis, 2017.
Most purchased products
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®The latest entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryRomosozumab
Calcium acetate
Dowager's hump
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Calorie content
Cologne list
Related search terms: Teriparatide