Forteo Side Effects

Generic name: teriparatide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Forteo 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.

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:

More common side effects

• confusion
• constipation
• depression
• dry mouth
• headache
• incoherent speech
• increased urination
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• stomach pain
• thirst
• unusual tiredness
• vomiting
• weight loss

Less common side effects

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
• cough
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever or chills
• nausea
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sweating
• trouble breathing

Incidence not known

• hives or welts, itching, skin rash
• redness of the skin
• swelling or puffiness of the mouth and face

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:

More common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• blurred vision
• body aches or pain
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness
• heartburn
• hoarseness
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle pain, stiffness, or spasm
• nervousness
• pain in the joints
• pounding in the ears
• runny or stuffy nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble with swallowing
• voice changes

Less common side effects

• back pain
• discomfort
• discouragement
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling sad or empty
• indigestion
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• leg cramps
• loss of interest or pleasure
• neck pain
• sensation of spinning
• sleeplessness
• stomach cramps
• swollen mouth and tongue
• tiredness
• tooth disorder
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unpleasant taste
• urge to have bowel movement

Incidence not known

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• flushing
• unusually warm skin

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]

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.

Medical Disclaimer