Teriparatide

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 15/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Teriparatide

CHINESE NAME: 特立帕肽

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Forteo 骨穩

DRUG CLASS: Endocrine Drugs

SUB CLASS: Hormones

USED FOR: Osteoporosis

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS: 20 mcg/mcl (injections)

What is Teriparatide for?

Teriparatide is a hormone belonging to a class of medications called endocrine drugs. It resembles parathyroid hormone and its action to stimulate bone growth and reduce bone fractures, hence used to target osteoporosis.

How to use it?

Teriparatide is injected through a needle under the skin into the thigh or abdominal wall as directed by your doctor. At the same time, calcium and vitamin D should be supplied in the case of inadequate dietary intake.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Adult
20 mcg once daily.

Treatment of osteoporosis
Male and Postmenopausal women
20 mcg once daily.

What are the side effects of Teriparatide?

Common side effects of Teriparatide include, but not limited to, hypercalcemia, nausea, gastritis, transient hypotension, headache and arthralgia.

Who should not take Teriparatide?

– People allergic to Teriparatide or any component of the formulation.
– Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
– Patients with pre-existing hypercalcemia, severe renal impairment, and many other conditions.

Counsel physicians before starting teriparatide to ensure the absence of contraindications.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D
– Assess serum calcium to avoid prior hypercalcemia
– Ensure that you are not pregnant or going to be pregnant soon
– It has to be stored in refrigerator but not freezed
– Do not use if the solution is cloudy, colored or contain solids

Common dosing schedule:
Injected into the thigh or abdominal wall once daily. For example, inject every day after dinner.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Where to buy Teriparatide in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Teriparatide is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Teriparatide in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.