Teriparatide and Acid Reflux: 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"

• Bin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2019

For Osteoporosis "Used Forteo for 2 years, it’s the strongest, best osteoporosis drug out there. I am a 58-year-old male, severe osteoporosis, and broke about half of my vertebrae. No side effects until 21 months, had issues with GERD/throat issues. Stopped for a month, then finished up. Using nasal spray for osteo now and getting on Prolia soon."

• 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."

• LAM...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 18, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I took Forteo for 2 years, initially, I thought I had avoided side effects. It took about 6 months for them to show up. I started to have flu-like symptoms a few times a week that would last 3 to 4 hours, generally in the afternoon. I would feel fevered, my throat would be sore with visibly red lines, and I would be very low energy. This lasted the remainder of the 2 years without any doctor recognizing the cause. Additionally, in the last year, I developed acid reflux, which I had never had before. And after all that, I did not show much improvement in my osteoporosis. Definitely do not recommend it."

• Dar...
• September 8, 2017

For Osteoporosis "After one injection, 20 minutes later I was dizzy, nauseous, and overall yucky. 4 hrs post-injection my acid reflux was so bad, I could not sleep laying down. The next day, I have had such horrible diarrhea, I am down 3 pounds since the morning. I am not going to take another shot until all this subsides."

• Nan...
• May 31, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I had the 2nd dose of Forteo and had pain at the injection site increasing in severity days 2-17; injections stopped after day 17 due to the severity of reactions. I developed pancreatitis, ulcer, acid reflux, constipation, vertigo. Another side effect I had was welts. On day 3, I developed a welt behind my ear. Day 4, a small welt at the injection site, which grew in size. Developed welts all over my back, which were highly painful and sensitive to any touch/stimulus. Along with welts, I began to develop hives all over my arms and trunk. Months later, even though the injections had stopped, I still had those reactions, even while on a variety of different prescribed hive remedies. Was diagnosed with chronic urticaria in April 2016, and am now on Levocetirizine - 2 pills/2x per day. Have tried tapering off, but have rash outbreaks within 2-5 days. Also had chronic joint pain, which has not gone away. Taking this drug caused worse results than Fosamax, Boniva, and several other meds that had to be discontinued because of severe muscle/joint pain."

• Bin...
• May 23, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Been on Forteo for 13 months, been through leg cramps, severe stomach growth, have depression sometimes, but the drug does work. Broke 13 vertebrae last year and bones are getting stronger. Now I have hot flashes, bad acid reflux, and severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) I can't concur with specialists' help. Is Forteo worth the side effects? It depends on your willpower, determination, and looking forward to having a better quality of life after injections are over."

• 64 ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I have been taking Forteo shots for a little over a year. It was prescribed following a fibula fracture from climbing into a tall bed. My main concern is severe depression and no energy. I see my PCP this week and am going to ask for a different antidepressant. I have fought depression for 30 years. I also notice acid reflux and lower back pain. Have any of you found an antidepressant that helps? I am currently on citalopram, and it no longer helps. This has been a very bad year. Thank you."