Teriparatide

USES
This medication is used in women after menopause and in men to treat bone weakening (osteoporosis). It is also used in patients who are at high risk of getting fractures, have had fractures, or who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide is a man-made (synthetic) form of the active part of a natural hormone (parathyroid hormone). It works by increasing bone mass and strength which decreases the chance of getting a fracture.

HOW TO USE
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions regarding the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is provided in a pen device for injection of the drug. A manual is provided with instructions on the proper way to prepare and inject this drug. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about giving yourself shots. Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously) into the thigh or abdominal wall, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Use a new needle with each dose. Learn how to store and discard needles properly. You may feel dizzy or have a fast heartbeat after the first few doses. In case you experience these symptoms, inject this medication where you can sit or lie down right away if necessary. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness or leg cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: chest pain (angina), nausea, vomiting, constipation, sluggishness, muscle weakness. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: Paget's disease, unexplained high levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood, active bone growth (e.g., in children or young adults), history of radiation therapy of the bones, high amount of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), bone cancer, other bone disorders. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney stones, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: digoxin. Teriparatide may temporarily increase the amount of calcium in your blood. Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness or weakness especially on standing.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. This medication may be injected immediately after removing from the refrigerator. Recap the pen when not in use. Do not freeze. Do not use this medication if it has been frozen. Each pen may be used for up to 28 days after the first injection. After 28 days of use, discard the pen, even if it still contains unused solution. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

WARNING: This medication has been shown to increase the rate of bone tumors (osteosarcoma) in animal (rat) studies. However, the increase occurred at doses higher than the normal human dose. Because it is unknown if there is a higher risk of bone tumors in humans, teriparatide should only be used in patients for whom the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Teriparatide should not be used in patients who are at an increased risk of developing bone tumors (e.g., patients with Paget's disease, unexplained elevations of alkaline phosphatase, open epiphyses, or prior radiation therapy involving the skeleton).

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.