Teriparatide

Teriparatide is a man-made version of parathyroid hormone used to treat men and postmenopausal women who have severe osteoporosis with a high risk of fractures. It works by stimulating new bone formation, which improves bone density and decreases the risk of spinal fractures.

Teriparatide should be injected under the skin or given by a healthcare professional. You should use it regularly and at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. Usually, it is recommended to take it for a maximum period of 2 years. However, follow the doctor's advice and complete the course even if you feel better. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C.

Some common side effects of this medicine include joint pain, injection site reactions (such as pain, swelling, and redness) and leg cramps. consult with your doctor if any of these bother you or do not go away.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have kidney stones or any other kidney problems, as it can cause an increase in the amount of calcium in blood or urine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also consult with their doctors before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise a bone scan to monitor the progress of your treatment.

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. Teriparatide helps treat osteoporosis in men as well as in women after menopause. It slows down the rate at which bone is broken down in your body. This maintains bone density and reduces your risk of breaking a bone. The injection is given by a doctor or nurse and should not be self- administered. You can help improve the strength of your bones by doing regular exercise (especially weight-bearing exercise), eating healthy foods containing calcium and Vitamin D and reducing your consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D3 are also effective.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Gemtide

• Joint pain
• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
• Nausea
• Leg cramps

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Teriparatide is a synthetic form of a natural human hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). It works by increasing the number and activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.

• Teriparatide should be injected every day under the skin (subcutaneous injection) of the thigh or abdomen.

• Do not take it for more than 2 years.

• You may have low blood pressure and dizziness during the initial few days.

• If you feel dizzy (light-headed) after injection, sit or lie down until you feel better.

• Tell your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness. These may be signs of high calcium levels in your blood.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Bikle DD. Agents That Affects Bone Mineral Homoestasis. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 766.

Friedman PA. Agents Affecting Mineral Ion Homeostasis and Bone Turnover. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1300

Teriparatide. Indianapolis, Indiana: Lilly France; 2008. [Accessed 02 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 02 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from: