Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Forteo (Teriparatide).
Blood and urine calcium levels: While using Forteo (Teriparatide) you will need to have blood and urine tests to make sure your calcium levels are within the normal range. If you experience symptoms of high calcium levels (e.g., nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, low energy), contact your doctor immediately.
Duration of treatment: The safety and effectiveness of using Forteo (Teriparatide) for longer than 24 months have not been established.
Kidney or bladder stones: If you have, or have had, kidney or bladder stones discuss with your doctor how Forteo (Teriparatide) may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: If you have moderately to severely reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Forteo (Teriparatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Forteo (Teriparatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low Blood Pressure: Forteo (Teriparatide) can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure within 4 hours of taking Forteo (Teriparatide). If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after the injection, sit down or lie down until you are feeling better. Usually these symptoms go away within a few minutes to a few hours. If symptoms don't go away or become worse, contact your doctor immediately. Do not drive or operate machinery until any dizziness and lightheadedness goes away.
Other osteoporosis treatment and prevention measures: Talk to your doctor about whether other osteoporosis treatment and prevention measures are suitable for you. These measures include calcium or vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise, and modifying smoking, alcohol or coffee use.
Pregnancy: Forteo (Teriparatide) should not be used by pregnant women. Women who could become pregnant while using Forteo (Teriparatide) should use effective methods of birth control. If you become pregnant while using Forteo (Teriparatide), stop using Forteo (Teriparatide) and contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Forteo (Teriparatide) passes into breast milk. Women who are breast-feeding should not use Forteo (Teriparatide).
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Forteo (Teriparatide) have not been established for children.