Forteo and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• DSD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I’m on my 4th pen and appear to be having every side effect mentioned here. I am losing my hair, my fingernails look like I bite them, major weight gain in the belly, GERD, depression and problems with my short-term memory"

• mar...
• May 19, 2015

For Osteoporosis "After 4 months I developed swelling and aching in my fingers, hands, wrists, and ankles. Within 1 month of starting Forteo, I started experiencing hair loss. It's been over a week since I discontinued the injections, but my hands still hurt and my ankles are still swollen. Considering there is no way to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks, I don't feel that it is the right drug for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I started Forteo in April 2018, almost 6 months ago. I have had osteoporosis since age 52 (now 63). My body could not tolerate the medicines, so I didn't take them. However, earlier this year when my Dexa scan again showed a huge decline, I agreed to take Forteo. I take the injection before bedtime and very rarely feel any nausea. My legs do ache, but I'm not sure if it is all from Forteo, as I try to walk 3-5 miles 5 days a week and recently added some weight-bearing exercises. I have not had any noticeable hair loss as others have reported. This is the only medicine I take. I do take supplements: one-a-day vitamin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, magnesium, and calcium. The copay card from the manufacturer helps tremendously with the cost. I am so thankful to have it. Good luck to all of you in your decision and your battle with osteoporosis."

• dsm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I experienced all of the above, including thinning hair and immediate memory loss. It also affected my overall disposition and gave me what I didn't realize until after terminating my use: extreme confusion, depression, and extreme fatigue. Overall, depression lifted a few months later, and I was amazed at how my outlook brightened. This treatment definitely has a psychological effect that is not truly recognized. Density went from -2.8 to -2.7. More effects are probably overshadowed by the more noticeable ones. Do not recommend this drug to anyone, the side effects and effort to use are not worth the extremely small gain. Lost almost 2 years of my life due to my depressive, fatigued state. At 68, I would like to have them back."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 18, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I have only about 6 months left and will be having my DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan upcoming in the month of Feb. Nervous to learn the results as I have been praying that this process was worth the loss of my hair and now a bald spot the size of a half dollar on the top of my head. I have also been experiencing depression, which I initially attributed to all of my previous health setbacks over the last several years. My osteoporosis specialist said that she never heard of anyone losing their hair due to Forteo and believes I am losing it because I have developed a thyroid condition or an autoimmune disorder or could be extreme stress. Now I am in the process of getting that all checked out. Previously, I had the best hair EVER, thick, strong, and beautiful. Now I am trying to live with the bald spot I can no longer hide and finding hair in my hand every time I touch my head. The results of my bone density need to show dramatic improvement for this to have been worth it."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2018

For Osteoporosis "After years of ignoring early onset osteoporosis, ending up with the bones of a 100-year-old woman, I had a bad fall that resulted in a broken hip in 2014. After a rod and pins were put in, my surgeon got me started on Forteo as it stimulates bone growth rather than saving bone (I had almost no bone density left). I have to say the difference I saw in my x-rays in 3 months was amazing. However, I did experience major hair loss, developed GERD, and loss of teeth. I've not taken Forteo since due to financial issues and the side effects mentioned, but the results for the months I was on it were incredible, and sometimes I wish I could afford it again."

• GSH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Ok! Been on the Forteo shot for 4 months. Have scoliosis and osteoporosis! I am bent over at the waist. I had 2 back surgeries in 2013 and 2014 at the same spot L4 and L5. I went back to work after surgeries. Retired in 2015! So finally trying to do something, this is 2019. Praying this will help me so I can have surgery to straighten up. The side effects are mild, but my back has always hurt at the waist. Just a little worse hair loss! But, gotta do something miserable! God bless everyone!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2018

For Osteoporosis "The injections did not bother me, painless and easy. I had broken vertebrae and a broken leg, was given Forteo as a last resort. After a few weeks, my hair fell out by the handfuls. I was devastated, as I had been so excited with the thought of getting my bones healthy again. But after 2 months of using the drug, I took myself off of it. The cost of the drug was not an issue for me, but the cost of losing all my hair was too much to handle. I will discuss this issue with my doctor on the 26th. Good luck to everyone battling the same issue."

• DGa...
• May 13, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I have been on Forteo for 5 months, and a Dexa showed at my age of 48 years old that my spine was -3.5, so they put me on this medication. I’ve noticed aches in my bones-legs, ankles, knees, and feet, but the biggest side effect is all my hair has stopped growing and is falling out. I will take a broken bone any day. Stopping this medication ASAP!!!!"

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2017

For Osteoporosis "Due to the early onset of osteoporosis (I am 55), I decided to try Forteo at my GYN’s recommendation. My bone density tests were -4 in the lower back and wrist. It is very easy to use if you don’t mind daily injections, and it is pretty much painless. Insurance covered all but $4.00 with an Eli Lilly-sponsored prescription discount card given to me by the doctor prescribing it. However, I didn’t make it past six months on Forteo due to severe lower leg pain. Pain was severe enough that I had to quit. I also had extreme hair loss that started 3 months in. Might try Prolia next. Good luck to all."

• San...
• February 9, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I have had leg pain and I am losing hair. Stomach seems swollen and has increased in size. Have not had a bone scan yet... insurance will only pay for one a year... in July 2017 it was -3.4. Was in extreme pain because of L-3, 4, 5, and S-1 spinal deterioration. Had a spinal block in Sept 2017 and it did not seem to work. Started Forteo also in Sept. Then Nov. 1st my pain stopped. Don't know if the block started working or the Forteo had something to do with this. I have received help paying for this drug from CVS."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Been taking Forteo since December. I'm in so much pain, haven't been able to walk in 2 weeks. I'm very depressed, my hair is coming out in handfuls. Forteo is making my life worse."