# Teriparatide

The first 34 amino acids of parathyroid hormone. Given as a daily pulse, it builds new bone, which most osteoporosis drugs cannot do.

Also called: Forteo, Forsteo, PTH 1-34
Source page: https://peplogue.com/peptides/teriparatide/
Updated: 2026-10-22. Not medical advice.

## How it works

- Where it acts: PTH1 receptors on bone-building cells.
- What it changes: A short daily pulse builds new bone faster than the body removes it.
- What people notice: Fewer spine fractures. Dizziness and leg cramps can occur. It is usually used for up to two years.

## What the evidence shows

- **Osteoporosis at high risk of fracture**: Proven. In 1,637 postmenopausal women over 19 months, new spine fractures fell from 14.3% to 5.0%, and other fractures from 5.5% to 2.6%.

## Side effects and risks

- serious: Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) occurred in rats.
- common: Dizziness or a racing heart shortly after a dose, leg cramps and nausea.
- common: Raised blood calcium.

Who should avoid it: Children and teenagers whose bones are still growing, and people with Paget's disease, past radiation to the skeleton, or bone tumors.

## How it is taken

A 20 microgram injection under the skin once a day, usually for up to two years. Another bone drug normally follows to hold the gain.

## Legal status

- United States: undefined. Forteo and lower-cost teriparatide injections.
- European Union: undefined. Forsteo and biosimilars such as Movymia and Terrosa.
- Spain: undefined. Forsteo, Movymia, Terrosa, Livogiva, Sondelbay and others are marketed (CIMA), prescription only. SNS funding conditions not verified.
- Germany: undefined. Forsteo on sale since 2003, Rx only; biosimilars exist (e.g. Movymia, Livogiva EU-wide). Current brand list and GKV rules not checked.
- France: undefined. Sold as Movymia, Sondelbay and generics (Forsteo, Terrosa listed). 65%, liste I, reimbursed only for osteoporosis with vertebral fractures.
- Italy: undefined. Forsteo: SSN pays under Nota 79 with a piano terapeutico from a specialist centre (6 months, renewable). Biosimilars not individually checked.
- Netherlands: undefined. Forsteo, Movymia, Sondelbay and generic teriparatide are listed. Reimbursement conditions and pharmacy stock were not confirmed.
- United Kingdom: undefined. Teriparatide, started by a specialist.
- Canada: undefined. Forteo and copies.
- Australia: undefined. Teriparatide, started by a specialist.

## Questions people ask

**How well does teriparatide prevent fractures?**

In 1,637 postmenopausal women over 19 months, new spine fractures fell from 14.3% to 5.0% and other fractures from 5.5% to 2.6%.

**How long can you take teriparatide?**

It is usually used for up to two years, and another bone drug normally follows to hold the gain.

**Does teriparatide cause bone cancer?**

Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) occurred in rats. Children and teenagers whose bones are still growing, and people with Paget's disease, past radiation to the skeleton or bone tumors, should avoid it.

**What are the side effects of Forteo?**

Dizziness or a racing heart shortly after a dose, leg cramps, nausea and raised blood calcium.

**Are there cheaper versions of Forteo?**

Yes. Lower-cost teriparatide injections are sold in the US, and biosimilars such as Movymia and Terrosa in the EU.

## Sources

- Forteo US prescribing information (DailyMed): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=aae667c5-381f-4f92-93df-2ed6158d07b0
- EMA: Forsteo product page: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/forsteo