How do you take Teriparatide?

This medicine is given as a daily injection of 20 micrograms under the skin (usually in the thigh or belly area). It comes in a pre-filled pen device, and your doctor or nurse will show you how to inject yourself. Treatment usually lasts up to 2 years and should not be used longer than that.

What are the side effects of Teriparatide?

Dizziness or light-headedness (especially after injecting), leg cramps or muscle pain, nausea or stomach upset, joint pain, headache

Who should not take Teriparatide?

People allergic to teriparatide, children and young adults whose bones are still growing, people with very high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), people with severe kidney problems, people with bone cancer or any cancer that has spread to the bones, people with Paget's disease of bone, anyone who has had radiation therapy to their bones, and people with unexplained high levels of alkaline phosphatase (a bone enzyme).

Prescription

Bone-building hormone (Parathyroid hormone analog)

Teriparatide

Q: What is Teriparatide used for?

Severe osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), bone loss in older women after menopause, bone thinning caused by long-term steroid use

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Teriparatide is an injectable medicine that works like a natural hormone (parathyroid hormone) in your body to help build new bone and make your bones stronger.

What is it used for?

Severe osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)bone loss in older women after menopausebone thinning caused by long-term steroid use

Browse by condition

Osteoporosis & Bone Health

How it works

Activates PTH1 receptors on osteoblasts, stimulating bone formation and increasing osteoblast differentiation while promoting calcium and phosphate reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby increasing bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Teriparatide safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Explore this drug

What to watch out for

This is a specialized prescription medicine — only use it if prescribed by a bone specialist or experienced doctor, and buy only from trusted pharmacies like those stocking the Osteotide Injection brand. Do not use the medicine for more than 2 years as long-term use may increase the risk of bone problems. Always store the pen in a working refrigerator — if there is a long power outage (NEPA/light issues), do not use the medicine if it has been warm for too long.

Common Side Effects

Dizziness or light-headedness (especially after injecting)
leg cramps or muscle pain
nausea or stomach upset
joint pain
headache

Serious Side Effects

Fainting or very fast heartbeat after injection — sit or lie down if you feel dizzy after taking it. Signs of too much calcium in the blood such as extreme tiredness
confusion
or frequent urination. Allergic reactions like swelling of the face
difficulty breathing
or severe rash — go to the hospital immediately.

Drug Interactions

Digoxin (heart medicine) — teriparatide can raise calcium levels which may affect how digoxin works, so your doctor needs to monitor you closely. Calcium and vitamin D supplements — your doctor may ask you to take these alongside teriparatide but will monitor your calcium levels. Alcohol — heavy drinking weakens bones and can reduce the benefit of this medicine.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Teriparatide with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Teriparatide is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — do not use it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to teriparatide
children and young adults whose bones are still growing
people with very high calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
people with severe kidney problems
people with bone cancer or any cancer that has spread to the bones
people with Paget's disease of bone
anyone who has had radiation therapy to their bones
and people with unexplained high levels of alkaline phosphatase (a bone enzyme).

How to Store

Store the injection pen in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). In Nigeria's hot climate, never leave it outside the fridge or in direct sunlight — the heat will damage the medicine. After first use, the pen can be kept in the fridge for up to 28 days. Keep away from children and dispose of used needles safely.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.