Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

• Teriparatide is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss) and for those who are at high risk of fracture. It is a drug that is similar to our body's parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is important in maintaining healthy bones. Teriparatide stimulates new bone formation and increases bone strength, thereby reducing the risk of a fracture. 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Teriparatide is given by injection (from a pre-filled pen).
• Teriparatide is given by injection under the subcutaneous layer (fatty layer of the skin) into the thigh or abdomen.
• For the first few doses, take the injection when sitting or lying down, as some  may experience dizziness after using teriparatide. This usually happens within 4 hours after administering teriparatide and goes away within a few hours.
• Inspect the injection visually before using. Teriparatide is a clear and colourless liquid. Do not use if solid particles appear or if the solution is cloudy or coloured
• Patients who administer teriparatide should receive appropriate training and instructions on the proper use of the device from a qualified healthcare professional.
• The pre-filled pen should never be shared with others (even when the needle is changed) because of the risk of infection.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget your dose, inject it as soon as possible on the same day. If it is almost time to inject your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not have double injections on the same day as it may increase chances of experiencing unwanted side effects. For subsequent doses, go back to the original schedule.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients found in the medication
• You are taking any other medications, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• You have kidney stones or a history of low blood pressure
• You have high calcium levels in your body or an overactive parathyroid gland
• You have bone cancer or a history of bone cancer 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Injection site reactions (including bruising, pain or swelling)
• Feeling light headed or dizzy
• Sit or lie down until you feel better 
• Nausea
• Joint aches

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

As this medication may increase the absorption of calcium, you may develop high calcium levels. It is important that you keep up with any blood tests recommended by your healthcare professional, and be aware of the possible symptoms of high calcium levels which include:

• Low energy, muscle weakness
• Constipation 
• Nausea, vomiting 
• Upset stomach 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in the refrigerator between 2-8^oC at all times except when administering the product. Do not freeze.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Discard this medication 28 days after opening. Throw away the pen after 28 days, even if it is not completely empty.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on November 2023