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💊intro to pharmacology review

Teriparatide

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Teriparatide is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone (PTH) that is used to treat osteoporosis by stimulating bone formation. This medication plays a crucial role in regulating calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, primarily by increasing osteoblast activity, which leads to enhanced bone density and strength.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Teriparatide is administered as a daily subcutaneous injection, typically prescribed for individuals at high risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
  2. Unlike other osteoporosis treatments that primarily focus on reducing bone loss, teriparatide actively promotes new bone formation.
  3. Treatment with teriparatide is usually limited to a maximum of 2 years due to concerns about potential risks such as osteosarcoma, although these risks are rare.
  4. Patients using teriparatide may experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or injection site reactions, which are generally mild.
  5. Teriparatide's effectiveness is often monitored through changes in bone mineral density (BMD) assessments over time.

Review Questions

  • How does teriparatide affect the balance between bone formation and resorption in patients with osteoporosis?
    • Teriparatide influences the balance between bone formation and resorption by specifically stimulating osteoblast activity, which enhances new bone formation. In patients with osteoporosis, where there is an increased rate of bone resorption leading to weaker bones, teriparatide reverses this trend by promoting the activity of osteoblasts. This shift helps increase overall bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
  • Discuss the clinical considerations and potential risks associated with long-term use of teriparatide for osteoporosis management.
    • While teriparatide is effective in increasing bone density and reducing fracture risk, long-term use is limited to 2 years due to the potential risk of osteosarcoma, particularly in certain populations such as those with previous radiation exposure. Clinicians must carefully evaluate each patient's fracture risk versus potential side effects. It's essential to monitor patients during therapy and consider transitioning to other osteoporosis treatments after the teriparatide course.
  • Evaluate how teriparatide integrates into a comprehensive treatment plan for osteoporosis and its impact on patient outcomes.
    • Teriparatide serves as a critical component in a comprehensive treatment plan for osteoporosis, particularly for patients at high risk of fractures. By actively promoting bone formation rather than merely preventing resorption, it significantly improves patient outcomes related to bone health. Combining teriparatide with lifestyle modifications such as exercise, dietary changes for calcium and vitamin D intake, and potentially other pharmacological treatments can further enhance its efficacy, leading to better management of osteoporosis and reduced fracture rates in vulnerable populations.