Forteo Dosage Details: Form, Potency, Usage Instructions, and Further Information
Forteo, a medication used to treat certain types of osteoporosis, is a crucial tool in managing this bone-thinning disease. Here's what you need to know about Forteo, its usage, and potential side effects.
Forteo, whose active ingredient is teriparatide, is available as a prefilled pen containing 28 doses, each with a strength of 250 mcg per milliliter. It is prescribed for postmenopausal osteoporosis, hypogonadal osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
To ensure you don't miss a dose, consider setting an alarm, using a timer, or downloading a reminder app on your phone. It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and inject Forteo around the same time each day.
Common side effects of Forteo include injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness, joint pain (arthralgia), nausea, headache, and dizziness or low blood pressure. Injection site reactions and nausea are frequently reported, along with headache and occasional hypotension (low blood pressure), which sometimes leads to recommendations for nighttime dosing.
More serious but rare risks include elevated calcium levels and a theoretical risk of bone cancer, known as osteosarcoma. Symptoms of high calcium levels may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness, and should prompt contacting a doctor.
While there have been reports of osteosarcoma in animal studies and some post-marketing reports, increased risk has not been confirmed in human observational studies. However, it's essential to note that Forteo is generally not recommended for more than 2 years of use due to potential risks.
If you believe you've injected too much Forteo, call your doctor right away. You can also call America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
During treatment with Forteo, certain supplements such as calcium and vitamin D may be recommended to help manage osteoporosis. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding these supplements.
Forteo should be stored in the refrigerator before use. If you miss a dose of Forteo and remember on the same day, inject it as soon as you remember. Then, inject your regularly scheduled dose at the usual time the next day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not inject two Forteo doses in the same day or try to make up the dose.
In clinical trials, Forteo was equally safe and effective in adults of all ages. Forteo belongs to a class of drugs called parathyroid hormone analogs. Patients may experience dizziness or light-headedness shortly after injection, so sitting or lying down until better is advised.
Remember, this article provides an overview of Forteo and its usage. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance. If you have any concerns or questions about Forteo, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.
[1] National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2021). Forteo (Teriparatide). Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/medication-therapy/forteo/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Teriparatide. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/teriparatide/description/drg-20073547
[3] FDA. (2021). Forteo (Teriparatide) Injection. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/forteo-teriparatide-injection-0
[4] NHS. (2021). Forteo. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/forteo/
[5] MedlinePlus. (2021). Teriparatide. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601100.html
- Osteoporosis, a chronic bone-thinning disease, is treated using drugs like Forteo, a medication containing teriparatide.
- Forteo comes in a prefilled pen with 28 doses, each containing 250 mcg per milliliter.
- It's prescribed for postmenopausal osteoporosis, hypogonadal osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
- Common side effects of Forteo include injection site reactions, joint pain, nausea, headache, and dizziness or low blood pressure.
- More serious but rare risks involve elevated calcium levels and theoretical bone cancer (osteosarcoma), particularly if used for more than 2 years.
- Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice on using Forteo, and follow their guidance on supplements like calcium and vitamin D.
- Forteo belongs to the class of drugs called parathyroid hormone analogs and should be stored in the refrigerator before use.
- Missed doses should be administered as soon as remembered on the same day, but never two doses in one day or trying to make up for a missed dose.
- For comprehensive information on Forteo, refer to reputable sources like the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Mayo Clinic, FDA, NHS, MedlinePlus, or consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
