Teriparatide
Parathyroid-hormone fragment (PTH 1-34). FDA-approved as Forteo for severe osteoporosis. Anabolic for bone — opposite of bisphosphonates.
Teriparatide is the active piece of parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). FDA-approved as Forteo for severe osteoporosis. Unlike most osteoporosis drugs, it actually builds new bone instead of just slowing bone loss. Daily injection, capped at 24 months total lifetime use per FDA label.
FDA-approved drug used for severe osteoporosis. Federations don't typically address it.
Approved as Forteo (2002) for severe osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Available as an FDA-approved drug, not a compounded peptide.
Yes — endocrinology and rheumatology providers prescribe it for osteoporosis. 24-month lifetime cap per FDA label.
Who it's for
- →Severe osteoporosis under endocrine care
- →Stress-fracture recovery (off-label)
- →Older adults with high fracture risk
What to expect
- Week 1
Subtle. Some calcium-flux symptoms early.
- Week 4
Bone markers improving on labs.
- Week 8
Cumulative bone density gains over months, not weeks.
How it works (mechanism)
Recombinant first 34 amino acids of parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). Intermittent daily dosing favors osteoblast activity over osteoclast activity, building new bone — opposite of bisphosphonates which slow bone breakdown.
Dosing protocol
20 mcg sub-q daily, per FDA label.
Stacks well with
Side effects
When NOT to use
- ⚠Paget's disease
- ⚠Prior radiation to bone
- ⚠Hypercalcemia
- ⚠Active malignancy
- ⚠Pregnancy / nursing
Bloodwork to monitor
- • Serum calcium baseline + at 1 month + every 6 months
- • 25-OH vitamin D
Common mistakes
- • Running past the 24-month FDA lifetime limit
- • Skipping calcium / vitamin D adequacy first
- • Underestimating the prescription-and-monitoring requirement
Drug & supplement interactions
- ⚠Digitalis (digoxin): teriparatide-induced calcium fluctuations may sensitize to digitalis effects
- ⚠Thiazide diuretics: may cause hypercalcemia
- ⚠Lifetime cap of 24 months per FDA label — combine with calcium and vitamin D adequacy
Educational only. User-specific dosing is between you and a qualified provider.
Frequently asked
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