Teriparatide

Dosage Forms Available

• Teriparatide is available in the form of an injection to be administered via a subcutaneous route (injected under the skin).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Teriparatide is usually prescribed for adults.

Contraindications

• Teriparatide is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of its components. It is also contraindicated in patients with pre-existing hypercalcemia (high calcium level), severe kidney impairment, metabolic bone diseases other than osteoporosis, unexplained elevations of alkaline phosphatase, prior radiation therapy involving the skeleton, or skeletal malignancies or bone metastases.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This medicine can interact with cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin), thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide), and loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdose of Teriparatide may result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased urination. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
• If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. But if the time of the next dose is close, skip the missed dose and go back to regular schedule. Do not take two doses simultaneously.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects of Teriparatide are temporary and generally harmless and resolve upon discontinuation of this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• If you experience injection site reactions such as redness or swelling, try to rotate the injection sites as directed by your doctor to avoid repeated trauma to the same area.
• In case of nausea or vomiting, take this medicine with food as it can help to reduce these symptoms.
• Increasing fluid intake may help reduce constipation caused by this medication.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Teriparatide may cause dizziness. This could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience dizziness after taking this medicine, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Teriparatide should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless recommended by your doctor due to insufficient data on its safety. It's crucial to consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with kidney conditions should exercise caution when taking Teriparatide due to the risk of hypercalcaemia (high calcium level). It should also be used with caution in patients with a history of bone cancer or other bone diseases due to the potential risk of osteosarcoma.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• It is advisable to follow a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D while taking this medication, as these nutrients are essential for bone health.
• Regular monitoring of bone density is advised to assess the progress of osteoporosis management.
• Limiting the intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can inhibit calcium absorption, is also recommended.
• Smoking cessation is also advised as smoking can lower bone mineral density and increase fracture risk.