Teriparatide and Bone Pain: What Users Say

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had a complete hysterectomy at age 33 and was diagnosed with full-blown osteoporosis at age 50 when I snapped the right foot completely off the leg. I had it surgically reconnected with screws, plates, and cadaver bone. I immediately started Actonel for a few years, followed by Fosamax. I've broken 9 ribs since 2001, had a severe compression fracture of my T8 vertebrae in 2014. I am a letter carrier for USPS (since '98), am age 61 now, still working, and started Forteo on Oct 2, 2019 because my DEXA is 3.9. Forteo is sort of a last hope. I have experienced a little dizziness, but a lot of bone pain in my hips, arms, back, and hands. Some muscle pain as well. But I refuse to quit the Forteo. I'm a tough old bird and will literally work through this. With Christmas coming in the post office, I'm going to need a great deal of fortitude, but I'll make it!"

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I took Forteo daily injections for one month and had to stop. As a result of Forteo, I now have severe debilitating bone pain, all-over muscle weakness, knees are buckling, severe joint pains in legs, knees, shins, ankles, and toes, as well as wrists and fingers. Cramping and swelling in my legs. My mobility is affected. I fell down as my knees were buckling and had to go to urgent care and ER. From a brisk walker, I am so debilitated due to Forteo that my mobility is slow and painful. How can the Forteo manufacturer release such a product into the market that has such serious side effects? Forteo Manufacturer must understand that human beings are not rats and they cannot conduct real-time Forteo study on human beings."

• Dut...
• January 5, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I'm having high blood pressure issues. (Never had a problem with BP.) Muscle and bone pain. Leg cramps and muscle spasms in weird places (i.e., back, arms, sides). Loss of balance. Great deal of problem walking."

• Suk...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I started using Forteo 6 months ago after a spinal compression fracture at T12 and a firm diagnosis of osteoporosis. I am 66 years old. My mother and grandmother both had severe osteoporosis with multiple painful fractures and loss of height. The decision to use Forteo is based on my belief in trying to do the best I can for myself. Yes, I have had side effects, but I consider them no worse than the pain, downtime, and long-term disability fractures and continuing bone loss will mean to me. Some of the side effects have already gone away such as dizziness and insomnia. I was recently diagnosed with proximal atrial fib - who knows if it is medication related. Think my body is adjusting! As to whether it works, only time will tell and I will not be eligible for a bone scan until the one-year mark. Despite side effects such as bone pain, I believe it is important to do everything I can to feel and be better. Praying for a good result at the one-year mark."

• Bon...
• September 9, 2013

For Osteoporosis "I completed a 2-year course of Forteo. No side effects. My T score improved 13%. I was disappointed, thought it would improve 100%! But that was a successful treatment per the doctor. Now I have to take an antiresorptive prescription to slow bone loss. I tried Fosamax 1x a week for 6 weeks and have bone pain in my hands and feet."

• Cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2015

For Osteoporosis "I began taking Forteo on December 2, 2014, after having neck surgery to remove two discs. One week after the surgery, I returned for an X-ray, and the lower part of the plate had come loose from my vertebrae. I was asked if I had fallen, hit my head, or had any type of accident. I told them I hadn't. Then, they told me the surgery was a failure. I was put on Forteo 2-1/2 months after my surgery. From the beginning, I began having side effects. I've had dizziness resulting in stumbling and falls, and bone pain. I opted to stay on it. I have taken a two-week break, and my symptoms disappeared. I'm debating going back on it."

• Bab...
• December 14, 2016

For Osteoporosis "I am a 56-year-old female with severe osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. My ortho and gyno doctors said my bones were so frail I had no choice but to take Forteo. I started in 2015, and after a few months of just overall weakness and being sick all the time with low blood pressure, I went to my primary care doctor. After blood work, he said your immune system has crashed, get off the Forteo! I was homebound, had pneumonia, etc. Now, over a year later, my bones went from -2.9 to -3.1. He finally agreed I have to get back on it, so... I'm having sweats and severe stomach issues, chills, and aching bones. Overall not feeling well. Has anyone had any of these side effects? I'm happy for the ones who can take it with no side effects! Hope this helps someone and maybe gets answers. Blessings."

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I had posted my review on June 7, 2019. I am so distraught and upset. If there was anything less than zero, I would give it to Forteo. I am still recovering. My legs, knees, feet, and ankles were so badly affected by Forteo that it has taken all my strength and willpower to fight from becoming crippled. The manufacturer and the prescribing doctors show no responsibility while prescribing this drug. They pretend the effects are not because of Forteo. In fact, my prescribing doctor at Shands coolly told me to start using a walker. I have severe bone pain and loss of height from Forteo. I am waiting for a miracle. Please do not take Forteo injections."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I am 69 years old. My endocrinologist prescribed Forteo for osteoporosis. After 6 injections, I developed severe bone pain and stopped the med. I saw the doctor again, and she urged me to try it again. After injection number 5, I developed acute vertigo on a Friday evening. It is now 48 hours since, and I am still bedridden, very dizzy, and nauseous. I will call my PCP tomorrow. I have never felt so ill and frightened in my life. Don't take this stuff."

• Sil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2017

For Osteoporosis "No pain with actual injection or at the injection site. Heart palpitations, severe leg cramps, bone and joint pain (not severe)."