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Drugs A–Z

Teriparatide

Teriparatide is a prescription medicine (Parathyroid Hormone Analog). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Bonsity, Forteo
Drug class
Parathyroid Hormone Analog
Taken
Subcutaneous
Label
Eli Lilly and Company, revised August 3, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
FDA-approved (4 companies) · details

What it is used for

FORTEO is indicated: For the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture (defined herein as having a history of osteoporotic fracture or multiple risk factors for fracture) or who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, FORTEO reduces the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. To increase bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy. For the treatment of men and women with osteoporosis associated with sustained systemic glucocorticoid therapy (daily dosage equivalent to 5 mg or greater of prednisone) at high risk for fracture or who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy. FORTEO is a parathyroid hormone analog, (PTH 1-34), indicated for: Treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy ( 1 ) Increase of bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy ( 1 ) Treatment of men and women with osteoporosis associated with sustained systemic glucocorticoid therapy at high risk for fracture or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy ( 1 )

Forms and strengths

Injection: 560 mcg/2.24 mL (250 mcg/mL) clear, colorless solution in a single-patient-use prefilled delivery device (pen) intended to deliver 28 daily doses of 20 mcg. Injection: 560 mcg/2.24 mL (250 mcg/mL) in a single-patient-use prefilled delivery device (pen) intended to deliver 28 daily doses of 20 mcg ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

FORTEO is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to teriparatide or any of the inactive ingredients of FORTEO. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Patients with severe hypersensitivity to teriparatide or any of the inactive ingredients of FORTEO( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions : Anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria have been reported in patients treated with parathyroid hormone analogs, including FORTEO. If signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, discontinue treatment with FORTEO, initiate supportive care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Discontinue FORTEO permanently in patients with a severe hypersensitivity reaction to FORTEO. ( 5.1 ) Osteosarcoma : Avoid use in patients with increased risk of osteosarcoma including patients with open epiphyses, metabolic bone diseases including Paget's disease, bone metastases or history of skeletal malignancies, prior external beam or implant radiation therapy involving the skeleton, and hereditary disorders predisposing to osteosarcoma. ( 5.2 ) Hypercalcemia and Cutaneous Calcification : Avoid in patients known to have an underlying hypercalcemic disorder. Discontinue in patients developing worsening of previously stable cutaneous calcification. ( 5.3 ) Risk of Urolithiasis : Consider the risk/benefit in patients with active or recent urolithiasis because of risk of exacerbation ( 5.4 ) Orthostatic Hypotension : Transient orthostatic hypotension may occur with initial doses of FORTEO ( 5.5 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, have been reported in patients treated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs, including FORTEO [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ]. If signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, discontinue treatment with FORTEO, initiate appropriate supportive care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Discontinue FORTEO permanently in patients with a severe hypersensitivity reaction to FORTEO. FORTEO is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to teriparatide or any of the inactive ingredients of FORTEO [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) ].

5.2 Osteosarcoma An increase in the incidence of osteosarcoma (a malignant bone tumor) was observed in male and female rats treated with teriparatide. Osteosarcoma has been reported in patients treated with FORTEO in the post marketing setting; however, an increased risk of osteosarcoma has not been observed in observational studies in humans. There are limited data assessing the risk of osteosarcoma beyond 2 years of FORTEO use [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ), and Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . Avoid FORTEO use in patients with (these patients are at increased baseline risk of osteosarcoma): Open epiphyses (pediatric and young adult patients) (FORTEO is not approved in pediatric patients) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Metabolic bone diseases other than osteoporosis, including Paget's disease of the bone. Bone metastases or a history of skeletal malignancies. Prior external beam or implant radiation therapy involving the skeleton. Hereditary disorders predisposing to osteosarcoma.

5.3 Hypercalcemia and Cutaneous Calcification Hypercalcemia FORTEO has not been studied in patients with pre-existing hypercalcemia. FORTEO may cause hypercalcemia and may exacerbate hypercalcemia in patients with pre-existing hypercalcemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . Avoid FORTEO in patients known to have an underlying hypercalcemic disorder, such as primary hyperparathyroidism. Risk of Cutaneous Calcification Including Calciphylaxis Serious reports of calciphylaxis and worsening of previously stable cutaneous calcification have been reported in the post-marketing setting in patients taking FORTEO. Risk factors for development of calciphylaxis include underlying auto-immune disease, kidney failure, and concomitant warfarin or systemic corticosteroid use. Discontinue FORTEO in patients who develop calciphylaxis or worsening of previously stable cutaneous calcification.

5.4 Risk of Urolithiasis In clinical trials, the frequency of urolithiasis was similar in patients treated with FORTEO and patients treated with placebo. However, FORTEO has not been studied in patients with active urolithiasis. If FORTEO-treated patients have pre-existing hypercalciuria or suspected/known active urolithiasis, consider measuring urinary calcium excretion. Consider the risks and benefits of use in patients with active or recent urolithiasis because of the potential to exacerbate this condition.

5.5 Orthostatic Hypotension FORTEO should be administered initially under circumstances in which the patient can sit or lie down if symptoms of orthostatic hypotension occur. In short-term clinical pharmacology studies of FORTEO in healthy volunteers, transient episodes of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension were observed in 5% of volunteers. Typically, these events began within 4 hours of dosing and resolved (without treatment) within a few minutes to a few hours. When transient orthostatic hypotension occurred, it happened within the first several doses, it was relieved by placing the person in a reclining position, and it did not preclude continued treatment.

5.6 Risk of Digoxin Toxicity Hypercalcemia may predispose patients to digitalis toxicity because FORTEO transiently increases serum calcium. Consider the potential onset of signs and symptoms of digitalis toxicity when FORTEO is used in patients receiving digoxin [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Osteosarcoma [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Hypercalcemia and Cutaneous Calcification [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Risk of Urolithiasis [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Orthostatic Hypotension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Risk of Digoxin Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Most common adverse reactions (>10%) include: arthralgia, pain, and nausea ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Men with Primary or Hypogonadal Osteoporosis and Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis The safety of FORTEO in the treatment of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women was assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 1382 patients (21% men, 79% women) aged 28 to 86 years (mean 67 years) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.2 )] . The median durations of the trials were 11 months for men and 19 months for women, with 691 patients exposed to FORTEO and 691 patients to placebo. All patients received 1000 mg of calcium plus at least 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 1% in the FORTEO group and 1% in the placebo group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 16% in the FORTEO group and 19% in the placebo group. Early discontinuation due to adverse events occurred in 7% in the FORTEO group and 6% in the placebo group. Table 1 lists adverse events from these two trials that occurred in ≥2% of FORTEO-treated and more frequently than placebo-treated patients. Table 1: Percentage of Patients with Adverse Events Reported by at Least 2% of FORTEO-Treated Patients and in More FORTEO-Treated Patients than Placebo-Treated Patients from the Two Principal Osteoporosis Trials in Women and Men Adverse Events are Shown Without Attribution of Causality FORTEO N=691 Placebo N=691 Event Classification (%) (%) Body as a Whole Pain 21.3

20.5 Headache 7.5

7.4 Asthenia 8.7

6.8 Neck pain 3.0

2.7 Cardiovascular Hypertension 7.1

6.8 Angina pectoris 2.5

1.6 Syncope 2.6

1.4 Digestive System Nausea 8.5

6.7 Constipation 5.4

4.5 Diarrhea 5.1

4.6 Dyspepsia 5.2

4.1 Vomiting 3.0

2.3 Gastrointestinal disorder 2.3

2.0 Tooth disorder 2.0

1.3 Musculoskeletal Arthralgia 10.1

8.4 Leg cramps 2.6

1.3 Nervous System Dizziness 8.0

5.4 Depression 4.1

2.7 Insomnia 4.3

3.6 Vertigo 3.8

2.7 Respiratory System Rhinitis 9.6

8.8 Cough increased 6.4

5.5 Pharyngitis 5.5

4.8 Dyspnea 3.6

2.6 Pneumonia 3.9

3.3 Skin and Appendages Rash 4.9

4.5 Sweating 2.2

1.7 Laboratory Findings Serum Calcium — FORTEO transiently increased serum calcium, with the maximal effect observed at approximately 4 to 6 hours post-dose. Serum calcium measured at least 16 hours post-dose was not different from pretreatment levels. In clinical trials, the frequency of at least 1 episode of transient hypercalcemia in the 4 to 6 hours after FORTEO administration was 11% of women and 6% of men treated with FORTEO compared to 2% of women and 0% of the men treated with placebo. The percentage of patients treated with FORTEO whose transient hypercalcemia was verified on consecutive measurements was 3% of women and 1% of men. Urinary Calcium — FORTEO increased urinary calcium excretion, but the frequency of hypercalciuria in clinical trials was similar for patients treated with FORTEO and placebo [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Serum Uric Acid — FORTEO increased serum uric acid concentrations. In clinical trials, 3% of FORTEO-treated patients had serum uric acid concentrations above the upper limit of normal compared with 1% of placebo-treated patients. However, the hyperuricemia did not result in an increase in gout, arthralgia, or urolithiasis. Renal Function — No clinically important adverse renal effects were observed in clinical studies. Assessments included creatinine clearance; measurements of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolytes in serum; urine specific gravity and pH; and examination of urine sediment. Men and Women with Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis The safety of FORTEO in the treatment of men and women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial of 428 patients (19% men, 81% women) aged 22 to 89 years (mean 57 years) treated with ≥5mg per day prednisone or equivalent for a minimum of 3 months [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . The duration of the trial was 18 months with 214 patients exposed to FORTEO and 214 patients exposed to an oral daily bisphosphonate (active control). All patients received 1000 mg of calcium plus 800 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day. There was no increase in mortality in the FORTEO group compared to the active control group. The incidence of serious adverse events was 21% in FORTEO patients and 18% in active control patients, and included pneumonia (3% FORTEO, 1% active control). Early discontinuation because of adverse events occurred in 15% of FORTEO patients and 12% of active control patients, and included dizziness (2% FORTEO, 0% active control). Adverse events reported at a higher incidence in the FORTEO group and with at least a 2% difference in FORTEO-treated patients compared with active control-treated patients were: nausea (14%, 7%), gastritis (7%, 3%), pneumonia (6%, 3%), dyspnea (6%, 3%), insomnia (5%, 1%), anxiety (4%, 1%), and herpes zoster (3%, 1%), respectively.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse Reactions from Postmarketing Spontaneous Reports The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of FORTEO. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cases of bone tumor and osteosarcoma have been reported rarely in the postmarketing period [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Hypercalcemia greater than 13 mg/dL has been reported with FORTEO use. Adverse events reported since market introduction that were temporally related to FORTEO therapy include the following: Allergic Reactions: Anaphylactic reactions, drug hypersensitivity, angioedema, urticaria Investigations: Hyperuricemia Respiratory System: Acute dyspnea, chest pain Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasms of the leg or back Other: Injection site reactions including injection site pain, swelling and bruising; oro-facial edema Adverse Reactions from Observational Studies to Assess Incidence of Osteosarcoma Two osteosarcoma surveillance safety studies (U.S. claims-based database studies) were designed to obtain data on the incidence rate of osteosarcoma among FORTEO-treated patients. In these two studies, three and zero osteosarcoma cases were identified among 379,283 and 153,316 FORTEO users, respectively. The study results suggest a similar risk for osteosarcoma between FORTEO users and their comparators. However, the interpretation of the study results calls for caution owing to the limitations of the data sources which do not allow for complete measurement and control for confounders.

Drug interactions

Digoxin: Transient hypercalcemia may predispose patients to digitalis toxicity ( 5.6 , 7.1 )

7.1 Digoxin Sporadic case reports have suggested that hypercalcemia may predispose patients to digitalis toxicity. FORTEO may transiently increase serum calcium. Consider the potential onset of signs and symptoms of digitalis toxicity when FORTEO is used in patients receiving digoxin [see Warnings and Precaution ( 5.6 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

Pregnancy: Consider discontinuing when pregnancy is recognized ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended ( 8.2 ) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness not established. Avoid use due to increased baseline risk of osteosarcoma ( 5.2 , 8.4 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on FORTEO use in pregnant women to evaluate for drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Consider discontinuing FORTEO when pregnancy is recognized. In animal reproduction studies, teriparatide increased skeletal deviations and variations in mouse offspring at subcutaneous doses equivalent to more than 60 times the recommended 20 mcg human daily dose (based on body surface area, mcg/m 2 ), and produced mild growth retardation and reduced motor activity in rat offspring at subcutaneous doses equivalent to more than 120 times the human dose (see Data) . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. The background risk in the US general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data In animal reproduction studies, pregnant mice received teriparatide during organogenesis at subcutaneous doses equivalent to 8 to 267 times the human dose (based on body surface area, mcg/m 2 ). At subcutaneous doses ≥60 times the human dose, the fetuses showed an increased incidence of skeletal deviations or variations (interrupted rib, extra vertebra or rib). When pregnant rats received teriparatide during organogenesis at subcutaneous doses 16 to 540 times the human dose, the fetuses showed no abnormal findings. In a perinatal/postnatal study in pregnant rats dosed subcutaneously from organogenesis through lactation, mild growth retardation was observed in female offspring at doses ≥120 times the human dose. Mild growth retardation in male offspring and reduced motor activity in both male and female offspring were observed at maternal doses of 540 times the human dose. There were no developmental or reproductive effects in mice or rats at doses 8 or 16 times the human dose, respectively.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary It is not known whether teriparatide is excreted in human milk, affects human milk production, or has effects on the breastfed infant. Avoid FORTEO use in women who are breastfeeding.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of FORTEO have not been established in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients are at higher baseline risk of osteosarcoma because of open epiphyses [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the patients who received FORTEO in the osteoporosis trial of 1637 postmenopausal women, 75% were 65 years of age and older and 23% were 75 years of age and older. Of the patients who received FORTEO in the trial of 437 men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis, 39% were 65 years of age and over and 13% were 75 years of age and over. Of the 214 patients who received FORTEO in the glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis trial, 28% were 65 years of age and older and 9% were 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of FORTEO have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger adult patients.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment No studies have been performed in patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

8.7 Renal Impairment In 5 patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl<30 mL/minute), the AUC and T 1/2 of teriparatide were increased by 73% and 77%, respectively. Maximum serum concentration of teriparatide was not increased. It is unknown whether FORTEO alters the underlying metabolic bone disease seen in chronic renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

How it works

Endogenous 84-amino acid parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the primary regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism in bone and kidney. Physiological actions of PTH include regulation of bone metabolism, renal tubular reabsorption of calcium and phosphate, and intestinal calcium absorption. The biological actions of PTH and teriparatide are mediated through binding to specific high-affinity cell-surface receptors. Teriparatide and the 34 N-terminal amino acids of PTH bind to these receptors with the same affinity and have the same physiological actions on bone and kidney. Teriparatide is not expected to accumulate in bone or other tissues. The skeletal effects of teriparatide depend upon the pattern of systemic exposure. Once-daily administration of teriparatide stimulates new bone formation on trabecular and cortical (periosteal and/or endosteal) bone surfaces by preferential stimulation of osteoblastic activity over osteoclastic activity. In monkey studies, teriparatide improved trabecular microarchitecture and increased bone mass and strength by stimulating new bone formation in both cancellous and cortical bone. In humans, the anabolic effects of teriparatide manifest as an increase in skeletal mass, an increase in markers of bone formation and resorption, and an increase in bone strength. By contrast, continuous excess of endogenous PTH, as occurs in hyperparathyroidism, may be detrimental to the skeleton because bone resorption may be stimulated more than bone formation.

Is there a generic Teriparatide?

Yes. The FDA has approved generic Teriparatide from 4 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2023.

An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.

The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.

Companies with an approved generic

Amphastar Pharms Inc, Apotex, Dr Reddys, Teva Pharms Usa

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Teriparatide in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

  • Class II Ongoing

    Teriparatide 226mcg/ml Injectable, 4 Pre-filled Syringes, 0.25 mL-Syringe, Refrigerate, Tailor Made Compounding

    Reason: Lack of Assurance of Sterility

    TMC Acquisition LLC dba Tailor Made Compounding

    Lots, distribution and details
    Lots / codes
    Batch#: 01132208A1, Exp 4/13/2022; 02252205A1, Exp 5/26/2022.
    Distribution
    Nationwide USA and Puerto Rico
    Quantity
    12 syringes
    Recall started
    March 7, 2022 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-1229-2022

Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.

Get alerts for Teriparatide

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID aae667c5-381f-4f92-93df-2ed6158d07b0.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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