Teriparatide

Drugs affecting Bone Metabolism · Recombinant parathyroid hormone

Indications

Treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and in men at increased risk of fractures. Treatment of corticosteroid induced osteoporosis.

Dosage

Adults: By SC injection 20 mcg daily, max duration of treatment 18 mth (course not to be repeated). Children: Not recommended.

Administration

Administer by SC inj into the thigh or abdominal wall. Stability: Store at 2°C-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Discard pen 28 days after 1st injection. Do not use if solution is cloudy coloured or contains solid particles.

Adverse Effects

GI disorders (including nausea, reflux and haemorrhoids), palpitation, dyspnoea, headache, fatigue, asthaenia, depression, dizziness, vertigo, anaemia, increased sweating, muscle cramps, sciatica, myalgia, arthralgia, less commonly urinary disorders, hypercalcaemia, injection-site reactions, rarely hypersensitivity reactions, syncope, headache, limb pain, hypercholesterolaemia, hypotension, chest pain.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Pre-existing hypercalcaemia, skeletal malignancies, bone metastases, metabolic bone diseases, including Paget's disease and hyperparathyroidism, unexplained raised alkaline phosphatase, previous radiation therapy to the skeleton. Severe renal impairment. Precautions: Moderate renal impairment (avoid if severe). History of urolithiasis. Ensure adequate calcium and vit D intake.

Interactions

Digoxin.

Advice to Patient

Administer injection while sitting to prevent risk of falling or injury. Consult prescriber for approved analgesic if there is muscle pain, skeletal pain/weakness/cramps. Contact prescriber if there is difficulty in breathing, chest pain or palpitations. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Small, frequent meals or regular mouth care may help to prevent nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 95%. Half-life elimination: IV: 5 minutes. SubQ: Approx. 1 hour. Time to peak, serum: Approx. 30 minutes. Excretion: Urine (as metabolites).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.