Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Forteo.
Chemical Name: TERIPARATIDE (ter-i-PAR-a-tide)
Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution is man-made (synthetic) form of the active part of a natural hormone called parathyroid hormone used in women after menopause and in men to treat bone weakening (osteoporosis). It is used in patients who are at high risk of having fractures, have had fractures, or who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. It is also used to treat patients with osteoporosis due to prolonged use of glucocorticoid medicines (eg, prednisone). Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution increases bone mass and bone strength, thereby decreasing the chance of getting a fracture.
WARNING: Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution has been shown to increase the rate of bone tumors in lab animals. It is not known if there is a higher risk of bone tumors in humans. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution should not be used in patients who are at risk for bone tumors, including patients with Paget disease, pediatric and young adult patients with open epiphyses, prior radiation involving the skeleton, or unexplained high levels of alkaline phosphatase in their blood. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking digoxin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney stones, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence. USE OF FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of bone tumors, bone cancer or other cancers that have spread to your bones; radiation therapy involving the bones; deformed bones, softening of the bones (osteomalacia), Paget disease, pseudohypoparathyroidism, or rickets; a bone disease other than osteoporosis; high levels of alkaline phosphatase, calcium, or parathyroid hormone in your blood; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. USE OF FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION IS NOT RECOMMENDED if the patient is a child or young adult whose bones may still be growing. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution.
Follow the directions for using Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution provided by your doctor. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution comes with a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully each time you refill Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution 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 pharmacist any questions you may have about giving yourself shots. Inject Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution under the skin (subcutaneously) into the thigh or abdominal wall usually as a single daily dose or as directed by your doctor. Use a new needle with each dose. Learn how to store and discard needles properly. Some patients get dizzy or a fast heartbeat after the first few doses of teriparatide. For the first few doses, inject Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution where you can sit or lie down right away if you get dizzy or have a fast heartbeat. Do not use Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution if it is cloudy or discolored. Use Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Use of Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution for more than 2 years is not recommended. STORE FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C). DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution if it has been frozen. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution may be injected immediately after removing from the refrigerator. Recap the pen when not in use. Each pen may be used for up to 28 days after the first injection. After 28 days of use, discard the pen, even if it still contains unused solution. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood calcium levels, uric acid levels, or bone density tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution can increase the amount of calcium in your blood. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution. Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you use it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution with caution. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS until you know how you react to it. FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Some patients experience dizziness or a fast heartbeat after the first few doses of Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution. For the first few doses, inject Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution where you can sit or lie down right away if you get dizzy or have a fast heartbeat. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. IT IS UNKNOWN IF FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution include constipation; diarrhea; headache; increased cough; indigestion; joint pain; leg or back cramps; mild dizziness or fast heartbeat; minor bruising, itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; nausea; runny nose; sore throat; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blurred vision; chest pain; depression; fainting; persistent fast heartbeat; persistent trouble sleeping; severe or persistent dizziness or lightheadedness upon sittng or standing; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, or tiredness; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headache; or tooth problems. An allergic reaction to Forteo 600mcg/2.4ml Solution is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Forteo
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness or weakness especially on standing.
Learn about other means of preventing bone loss including taking regular calcium and/or vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. DO NOT SHARE FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.IF USING FORTEO 600mcg/2.4ml SOLUTION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.