Brand Forteo Pen

This medication is used in women after menopause and in men to treat bone weakening (osteoporosis). It is also used in patients who are at high risk of getting fractures, have had fractures, or who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide is a man-made (synthetic) form of the active part of a natural hormone (parathyroid hormone). It works by increasing bone mass and strength which decreases the chance of getting a fracture.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using teriparatide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication 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 doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about giving yourself shots. Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously) into the thigh or abdominal wall, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Use a new needle with each dose. Learn how to store and discard needles properly. You may feel dizzy or have a fast heartbeat after the first few doses. In case you experience these symptoms, inject this medication where you can sit or lie down right away if necessary. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: Paget's disease, unexplained high levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood, active bone growth (e.g., in children or young adults), history of radiation therapy of the bones, high amount of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), bone cancer, other bone disorders. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney stones, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: digoxin. Teriparatide may temporarily increase the amount of calcium in your blood. Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you use this medication. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Dizziness or muscle spasms/cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: nausea, vomiting, constipation, sluggishness, muscle weakness. Seek immediate medical attention if this serious side effect occurs: chest pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. This medication may be injected immediately after removing from the refrigerator. Recap the pen when not in use. Do not freeze. Do not use this medication if it has been frozen. 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. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.