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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Teriparatide causes osteosarcoma (cancer of the bones) in laboratory rats. It is possible that teriparatide may also increase the chances that humans will develop this rare but serious cancer. Because of this risk, teriparatide should not be used to prevent osteoporosis, to treat mild osteoporosis, or by people who can take other medications for osteoporosis. You should not use teriparatide unless you have osteoporosis and at least one of the following conditions is met: you have already had at least one bone fracture; your doctor has determined that you are at high risk of fractures; or you cannot take or do not respond to other medications for osteoporosis. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a bone disease such as Paget's disease, bone cancer or a cancer that has spread to the bone, or radiation therapy of the bones. Your doctor will order certain tests to see if teriparatide is right for you.Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking teriparatide. |
Teriparatide is used to treat osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women who are at high risk of fractures (broken bones). Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and break more easily. Teriparatide contains a synthetic form of natural human hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). It reduces the risk of fractures by causing the body to build new bone and by increasing bone strength and density (thickness).
Teriparatide comes as a solution to inject in the fatty layer just under the skin (subcutaneously). It is usually injected once a day. To help you remember to take teriparatide, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use teriparatide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You can inject teriparatide yourself or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Before you use teriparatide yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it. The instructions for use include solutions to problems you may have when you try to use teriparatide. Check the instructions if you have difficulty following the directions below.
Teriparatide comes in a pen that contains enough medication for 28 doses. Use a new needle for each injection. Needles are sold separately. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of needles to use. Dispose of used needles in a puncture-resistant container. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
To inject teriparatide, follow these steps:
Teriparatide controls osteoporosis but does not cure it. Continue to take teriparatide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking teriparatide without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking teriparatide,
It is important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking teriparatide. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not enough. Talk to your doctor about doing weight-bearing exercise. Also talk to your doctor about avoiding cigarette smoking and avoiding drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it that day. However, if the day has already passed, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never inject more than one dose per day.
Teriparatide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them call your doctor immediately:
Teriparatide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the pen it came in with the cap on and without a needle attached, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it in the refrigerator but do not freeze it. Protect it from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Throw away the pen 28 days after you first use it, even if it is not empty. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to teriparatide.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Never share a teriparatide pen. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 07/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |