Teriparatide

Teriparatide is injected into patients with osteoporosis in order to help strengthen and thicken bones. It is often given to postmenopausal women and people of any gender who have brittle bones or suffer frequent bone fractures. Patients who take certain medications may take teriparatide injections to reduce their risk of osteoporosis.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication has caused a rare but fatal cancer of the bones in laboratory animals. Thus, it should not be used except if it is absolutely needed in order to decrease the risk of bone cancer in humans. Patients who respond well to less dangerous osteoporosis medications should not take this medication, and it should not be taken to prevent osteoporosis in people who have no signs of bone problems.