Teriparatide and Pain: What Users Say

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2019

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I started on Forteo 4 months ago. I decided to stop this on my own when I started developing the side effects after the 3rd month. Horrific back pain, hip pain, cramping in back, nauseous, just overall miserable. I felt like I had the flu on top of this pain. I have been off Forteo for a little over a week and still have back pain, cramping, and feel blah. It made no sense to continue taking something that made me worse. I hope this pain clears up quickly, I'd almost rather have a fracture, and that's sad. Women will get this, the way I can describe the back pain is it is like having back labor almost non-stop. I didn't sign up for all this garbage, I was better before this damn drug. I want to be able to enjoy my life and grandson, and this has made it extremely difficult to enjoy anything. I just hope these side effects stop quickly, I can't stand it."

• Shi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 14, 2016

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "Just finished 2-year treatment. I was 53 years old when I started and in extremely good health other than these poor old bones! Spine T-score -4.2 and left hip -3.5 two years ago. New Dexa as of last week shows 20% improvement in the spine and 13% improvement in the hip. It doesn't sound like much, but when bones are this bad, anything is an improvement! So for all the aches and pains (some pretty significant) that I have endured over the past two years, I feel it was worth it. Definitely no doubt that this drug caused pain, weakness, some upper respiratory issues... but nothing that I couldn't deal with and nothing that caused me any 'down time'. Maybe for someone else these side effects are too much. But for me, worth it!"

• Anonymous
• October 9, 2011

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "On day 5 of taking Forteo, I got so very sick; in a lot of pain from head to toe. I had nausea severely. I was so hoping this medication would work for me. I had to go to the emergency room from the effects of Forteo. Hope it works for others."

• Mar...
• November 4, 2015

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I am on Forteo for two months. I am not sure if my T-score has improved since I haven't taken a DEXA test yet. However, I have experienced many side effects with Forteo: 5 minutes after injection (which I hate), I start feeling tremendous pain at the lower part of my spine. I found out that I can alleviate this pain by moving around (walking fast) for 15 minutes. I also discovered a very bad interaction with alcohol. Even a small glass of sangria during dinner had, as a result, the development of extreme pain after injection and inability to move for 45 minutes. Recently, I have also experienced a similar problem when I was on azithromycin for some mouth infection....Other symptoms I have 2 hours after injection are flu-like symptoms, shivering, insomnia."

• Bab...
• June 13, 2015

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I started Forteo 3 months ago after a bad fall. I am a 55-year-old female. I thought at first it was my miracle answer. After starting the meds, my health began to decline with frequent infections of thrush, overall weakness after month 3. I'm unable to even go to church, which is my life. I play the piano and am a praise leader. My pain has gotten worse and it drops my BP way down. I was told to take it at bedtime, and that helped somewhat, although I have stumbled and fallen a few times due to dizziness. I wonder, has anyone else had any negative side effects? I am so scared. Lilly and the nurse have been very helpful and call frequently asking for lot numbers and usage. My OBGYN gave it to me. My PCP said to get off of it. Any help, please?"

• Wea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2016

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I have severe osteo and have tried other osteo meds but didn't tolerate. I am 61. My endo said I need to start Forteo since it's the only one that adds bones. I have been on it for a year and just had a bone scan. No improvement! In fact, my spine lost a little. I am so upset since I have been giving myself daily injections and have had a lot of side effects with the drug, including headache, dizziness, insomnia, tiredness, and hip pain."

• May...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2017

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "On Forteo for 7 weeks now. Saw a rheumatologist who did a bone density test and told me that I was at high risk, especially for wrist fracture, due to low bone density. He said my spine looked okay. He said I needed Forteo for 2 years as the osteoporosis was so bad. Since starting Forteo, I feel extreme fatigue all the time. I also feel muscle weakness and can't keep up with my light exercise routine. I have also had multiple aches and pains in my joints and long bones of arms and legs. The pain feels deep in the bone, not muscle. The pain seems to migrate from one bone or joint to the other since starting Forteo. There is redness and bruising at the injection site. The worst symptom is fatigue. I may have to stop Forteo."

• lyn...
• February 16, 2016

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I have been using Forteo for 6 months. I have been experiencing burning stabbing pain in my leg, which only lasts a few seconds but makes my leg weaken. I was wondering if anyone is experiencing the same. My legs feel weakened."

• Dov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2015

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "Mom 86 years old, multiple vertebral compression fractures, loss of height 6-8 inches. Advanced lumbar osteoporosis, 45-degree deviation of the spine. Curves to the left like a 'C'. After six weeks on Forteo, her spine is almost straight. She has gained weight after being in the hospital on a 15-day liquid diet for gall bladder removal surgery. Still a little slumped at shoulders but standing straighter. Breathing improved, pain insignificant compared to before as pain was moderate or greater. Let's see after four months. Don't wait to start this med if your spine is similar. Six orthopedic doctors never recommended it. They only look for surgical cases."

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2010

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I just started with no side effects. The injections are quite painless and very easy to do. I'm hoping this will help my hips. Only 51 and really need this medicine to help me. Good luck everybody with these. Get strong and healthy bones."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2019

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I am 47 years of age. At 44, I had a hip replacement, at which time I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. I took alendronate and had crippling and extremely painful side effects. I used a walker or a cane at all times. I stopped the Forteo, and within a week, everything returned to normal, but bone loss progressed. I then fractured four vertebrae, which was worse than being in labor 24/7 for months. I am on my third month of Forteo, and all back pain disappeared. I have experienced back pain since a major vehicle accident at age 17 and another at 20. My back has not been pain-free (not even for a few minutes) until now. However, I now am experiencing hip and knee pain, which is quickly increasing in strength. I do not recall a fall that may have jarred them, so I assume it is Forteo. I will manage through, though, because I refuse to ever experience spinal fractures again."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2019

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I am 47 years of age. At 44, I had a hip replacement, at which time I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. I took alendronate and had crippling and extremely painful side effects. I used a walker or a cane at all times. I stopped the Forteo, and within a week, everything returned to normal, but bone loss progressed. I then fractured four vertebrae, which was worse than being in labor 24/7 for months. I am on my third month of Forteo, and all back pain disappeared. I have experienced back pain since a major vehicle accident at age 17 and another at 20. My back has not been pain-free (not even for a few minutes) until now. However, I now am experiencing hip and knee pain, which is quickly increasing in strength. I do not recall a fall that may have jarred them, so I assume it is Forteo. I will manage through, though, because I refuse to ever experience spinal fractures again."

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

Teriparatide 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."

• Don...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 8, 2018

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I injected myself for two years. A lot of pain in my legs and an overall weird feeling. It's a heavy-duty drug. After two years, I had no improvement. It was a complete waste. I have hypothyroidism. I don't know. Sometimes I thought I was going bonkers. Anyhow, now I am taking Raloxifene. I've been on it for 2 years. No side effects except sweating at night, which after Forteo seems like a cakewalk. However, since I've had all the drips and the injections, there is no hope for me but Raloxifene. No other drugs left for me to take or that the doctors haven't recommended. So, I don't know what to say other than Forteo did not work at all for me."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2022

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I took the Forteo injections for about five or six weeks and talked with my doctor and stopped the injections. The worst pain started in my right hip joint; not only pain, but weakness too. By the time I stopped the injections, I was limping. Then I started having pains in my legs, ankles, knees, fingers, and my neck. It's been two months now, and I'm still having joint pain and weakness issues. I'm in more pain now than I was before I used Forteo. Due to the problems Forteo caused with me, I started looking up side effects. After following the side effects from one page to the next, I stumbled on a Black Box Warning: may cause bone tumors. I will never use this drug again."

• Spa...
• March 14, 2017

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I had a spinal fusion surgery of T9-S1 just 8 weeks ago. I am a 62-year-old female. Recovery was going well. 2 weeks ago, I was asked to start on Forteo. Within 8 days, I began to have knee pains, and it is getting worse by the day, making me feel rather unsteady when I walk. I am also having slight dizziness and a constant mild headache. I am going to speak to my surgeon regarding stopping this medication."

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2018

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I started on Forteo Jan 2018. Four days into the injections, I started hurting all over. My ankles, feet, legs, knees, and up the body. Keeping me up at night. During the day at work, I'm miserable. I'm hoping this comes to a stop soon!"

• San...
• February 9, 2018

Teriparatide 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."

• Ost...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2024

Teriparatide for Osteoporosis "I've been taking Forteo for three months now, and I do notice my terribly arthritic fingers getting stronger and feel stronger all over; that being said, I might have to discontinue it due to the all-over painful side effects, even in my feet, and my energy level has decreased significantly. I read one review that recommended every other day, so I might try this. I believe this medicine is and can be very beneficial to me if I can find a way to take it."

• T11...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I started teriparatide in November, after 2 months, I stopped. I suffered from day 1 with every bone and muscle in my body aching, it was horrendous. The worst side effect was my legs stopped working, and I was confined to my home. I decided to stop taking this, and on day 2 after stopping, every pain disappeared. My legs have not recovered fully yet, but at least the pains have gone. I never thought at first it could be the teriparatide, then realized all the pains started when I started the meds. I will not be taking anything now, as I would rather be pain-free than suffer the horrendous pain. It was frightening."

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

Teriparatide 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."