Teriparatide Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis

20 mcg subcutaneously once a day into the thigh or abdominal wall

• Duration of Therapy: Lifetime use greater than 2 years should only be considered if fracture risk remains high

Comments:

• This drug is indicated for men and women as described below who are at high risk for fracture or who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy.
• High fracture is defined as history of osteoporotic fracture or multiple risk factors for fracture.
• Supplemental calcium and vitamin D should be taken if daily dietary intake is inadequate.

Uses:

• For the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
• To increase bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis
• For the treatment of men and women with osteoporosis associated with sustained systemic glucocorticoid (equivalent to prednisone 5 mg/day or greater)

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any product ingredients; hypersensitivity reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For subcutaneous administration only; not for IM or IV use
• Administer subcutaneously once a day into thigh or abdominal region
• Patients should be instructed on proper administration technique
• Initial doses of this drug should be administered in settings where patient can sit or lie down if symptoms of orthostatic hypotension occur

Storage requirements:

• Store under refrigeration 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F) at all times except when administering product; limit time out of refrigerator
• Once opened, can be used for up to 28 days; discard after 28 days
• Do not freeze; do not use if it has been frozen
• Store with cap on to protect from physical damage and light

General:

• Supplemental calcium and vitamin D should be given if dietary intake is inadequate.
• In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, this drug has been shown to reduce the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.
• Use for more than 2 years during a patient's lifetime should only be considered if a patient remains at or has returned to having a high risk for fracture as there is limited data assessing the risk of osteosarcoma beyond 2 years of use.

Monitoring:

• Observe for orthostatic hypotension, especially with first few doses
• Consider measuring urinary calcium excretion in patients with active or recent urolithiasis

Patient Advice:

• Patients should be instructed to read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
• Patients should be aware that an increased incidence of osteosarcoma has been observed in rat studies, but observational human studies have not shown this risk for use up to 2 years.
• Patients should be instructed to notify their healthcare provider if they develop persistent symptoms of hypercalcemia.

Frequently asked questions

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See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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