tired. Is this an effect of the Forteo. I also have pain in my back and leg cramps and weight gain. I am also extremely tired all of the time which is unusual for me.
I have been on Forteo for 7 months and have started feeling so fuzzy brained for the past month and?
Question posted by KaySmithCarroll on 19 May 2012
Last updated on 7 November 2022 by PTBS5
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
8 Answers
PTBS5
7 Nov 2022
I took it for 3 months at bedtime. I was constantly fatigued and seemed like a new bone in my body hurt every day, randomly.My doctor had me discontinue it for 2 weeks, then take it in the morning. Voila... ALL the symptoms went away. It was amazing. Now I have no side effects and as I am a morning person, it is much easier for me to remember. I keep the box with forteo in the fridge and mark on the front AM SHOT
helenpl
19 Feb 2019
I have been on Forteo for 8 months and I am so fuzzy brained I have trouble remembering the days of the week! Hopefully the drug is working and I will return to my normal self once the treatment period has ended. My experience is there are always side effects from drugs that are not listed in the literature.
dancer01
8 June 2018
I have only been on Forteo 1 week... Since the second night I have taken it, I am having horrible nightmares. I did not experience this before. Is this a side effect for Forteo?
Niamhmax
19 Feb 2019
The first 2 weeks on forteo I also had terrible nightmares every night, now only get occasional nightmares
Inactive
19 May 2012
Hi KaySmithCarroll, & welcome to the site. I am on Forteo, & have been for 20 months. The only side effect that I have ever had with this drug, is a small round red spot where I inject, & that's only once in a while. If you think you are having side effects you are to call your sponser at Eli Lilley at 1-866-436-7836. It is very important for any side effects to be reported to them. They will have you speak to a nurse, & she will take a full report, & advise whethter you should see your doctor before continuing on the Forteo injections. Are you taking 1200 mg of calcium, & at least 2000mg of Vit D3? Leg cramps can be caused from many conditions, & lacking in calcium & also Vitamin C can aggravate this. Make sure you are taking at least 1000mg of vitamin C along with the other supplements.
Citracal is the best calcium to take because it has magneisium, zinc, & D3 in it, but you should supplement the D3 with another pill to make sure you are getting enough of it. It helps the Forteo work better, & build stronger bones. My first bone density scan after the first twelve months proves that this drug does build new bone. I feel stronger now than in years, & haven't had a new fracture for 1 year which is a record for me. I don't believe weight gain is a side effect. Infact I have lost quite a bit of weight. I was never very big, but am finally back to a really healthy weight. Please call the number I gave you, & if you have other questions, you can friend me & I will be glad to talk to you about this. I hope this helps...
pegasi9
19 May 2012
Forteo can cause fatigue and weakness. I know that when I'm tired and weak, it does effective my cognitive abilities. However, I would question as to whether or not this is a side effect of Forteo. With me I will get side effects of new meds right away and then they might go away over time. You should seek medical attention for this. Fuzzy brained is another way of saying Fibro fog, which many of us experience. I take Gingko Biloba to help with my cognive functioning and memory. It does help me but still does not totally solve the problem. There does not seem to be a way of treating this. What part of your back is painful? If it's your low, or lumbar, region -- this can cause problems with your legs. Fibro can be accompanied by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I had to quit my dream job due to Fibro. The first year I was off work, I was mostly in bed.
I was so tired I had to have my Mother come and live with me on the weekdays, because I was unable to take my daughter to school in the morning of pick her up in the afternoon. Over time (1990 to present), the fatigue has lessened. It's still there, though. You can hear the fatigue in my voice when listening to my announcement on my message phone. It's hard to hide the fatigue that can accompany this disease.
Inactive
19 May 2012
Hello KaySmithCarroll. A very good friend of ours, a member of the site who has been treated with Forteo will read and respond to your question. (given that it is the weekend might be awhile) Regards, pledge
kaismama
19 May 2012
I would report this to your doctor. These things can be a side effect of it, but they are side effects that could be something else too. It warrants discussing this with your dr.
Delila
19 May 2012
Hi, i just wanted to let you know that you can put 'Forteo' in the search box at the top of the page on Drugs.com homepage to search for info about this medication. For ease though i have copied and pasted the more common side effects, which do detail the symptoms you have been experiencing...
Constipation; diarrhea; headache; increased cough; indigestion; joint pain; leg or back cramps; mild dizziness or fast heartbeat; minor bruising, itching, pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site; nausea; runny nose; sore throat; weakness.
Do a search anyway if you like, to get a more comprehensive overview. The only thing i would have to question, is why you are experiencing this now? And not earlier on in the treatment. It probably would be best to seek guidance from your prescribing doctor.
Related topics
forteo, osteoporosis, weight loss (obesity/overweight), pain, weight, cramp
Further information
- Forteo uses and safety info
- Forteo prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Forteo (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.