Forteo Side Effects

Generic name: teriparatide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 17, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Forteo.

Applies to teriparatide: subcutaneous solution Side Effects associated with teriparatide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Forteo.

Applies to teriparatide: subcutaneous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase your risk of having osteosarcoma (bone cancer). This is more likely to occur if you have a history of radiation treatment involving your bones. Check with your doctor right away if you have bone pain that does not go away or a new soft tissue mass that is tender to palpation.

This medicine may increase levels of calcium in the blood and urine. High calcium in the urine may cause kidney stones. Call your doctor right away if you have blood in the urine, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste, muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting, pain in the side, back, or stomach, or weight loss.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy or drowsy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If this problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Forteo

Along with its needed effects, teriparatide (the active ingredient contained in Forteo) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking teriparatide:

Other side effects of Forteo

Some side effects of teriparatide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to teriparatide: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported side effects have included arthralgia, pain, and nausea.

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylaxis, possible allergic events soon after injection (e.g., acute dyspnea, oro/facial edema, generalized urticaria, chest pain, edema (mainly peripheral)
• Postmarketing reports: Drug hypersensitivity, angioedema, urticaria^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Frequency not reported: Osteosarcoma^[Ref]

Cases of bone tumor and osteosarcoma have been reported during the postmarketing period; however, an increased risk of osteosarcoma was not observed in observational studies. Two osteosarcoma surveillance safety studies (US claims-based database studies) designed to assess the incidence rate of osteosarcoma showed 3 osteosarcoma cases among 379,283 patients and zero cases among 153,316 patients receiving this drug. A similar risk for osteosarcoma has been observed with comparators. The interpretation of these results suggests caution as data sources do not allow for complete measurement and control for confounders.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urolithiasis

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, hypertension, palpitations, chest pain, angina pectoris
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachycardia, cardiac murmur
• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, hiatus hernia, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorder, tooth disorder
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hemorrhoids^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Pain in limb, arthralgia (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Muscle cramps, neck pain, leg cramps
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia, arthralgia, back cramp/pain
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle spasms of the leg or back^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, sciatica, syncope^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, rhinitis, cough increased, pharyngitis, pneumonia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Emphysema^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, sweating increased^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Transient hypoparathyroidism^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Mild and transient injection site events (e.g., pain, swelling, erythema, localized bruising, pruritus, minor bleeding at injection site)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site erythema, injection site reaction^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypercholesterolemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia (greater than 2.76 mmol/L), hyperuricemia, weight gain, alkaline phosphatase increase
• Postmarketing reports: Calciphylaxis, worsening of previously stable cutaneous calcification^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pain (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vertigo, fatigue, asthenia, syncope^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, insomnia^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary incontinence, polyuria, micturition urgency, nephrolithiasis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Renal failure/impairment^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How does teriparatide (Forteo) work?
• How useful is Terifrac injection 20mg and what are it's side effects?

Further information

Forteo side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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