What is teriparatide and what is it used for?
Teriparatide is a medication that mimics a portion of the natural human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and is used to treat osteoporosis. Administered as a daily subcutaneous injection, it is approved for specific patient populations who are at a high risk of fractures.
The primary use cases for teriparatide include postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis who are at high risk of fracture, as well as individuals whose osteoporosis is caused by long-term steroid use. Its mechanism is anabolic, meaning it promotes the formation of new bone by stimulating osteoblast cells. This action helps increase bone mineral density (BMD) and improves bone structure, which is important for preventing fractures, particularly in the spine and hips.
How teriparatide works compared to other osteoporosis treatments
Unlike most other osteoporosis medications like bisphosphonates, which are anti-resorptive and slow bone loss, teriparatide is an anabolic agent that actively stimulates new bone formation. This is a key difference for patients with severe osteoporosis who need to rebuild bone mass.
| Feature | Teriparatide (Anabolic) | Bisphosphonates (Anti-Resorptive) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stimulates osteoblasts to build new bone. | Inhibits osteoclasts to prevent bone breakdown. |
| Effect on Bone | Increases bone mineral density and improves bone microarchitecture. | Maintains bone density by slowing bone turnover. |
| Administration | Daily subcutaneous injection via a prefilled pen. | Oral tablets (weekly or monthly) or intravenous infusion. |
| Treatment Duration | Limited to a maximum of 2 years in a patient's lifetime due to potential risks. | Can be used long-term, but treatment holidays may be advised. |
| Candidate Profile | High-risk fracture patients, including those who failed other therapies. | Generally first-line treatment for most osteoporosis patients. |
Administration
Teriparatide is administered once daily as a subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Consistent daily administration is important. The treatment course is typically limited to a maximum of two years. Patients are often advised to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if their diet doesn't provide enough.
Potential side effects and important precautions
Common side effects of teriparatide include nausea, dizziness, joint pain, and reactions at the injection site. Some patients may experience a temporary drop in blood pressure when standing with initial doses.
Important precautions and conditions that prevent teriparatide use include Paget's disease, bone metastases, a history of skeletal radiation therapy, or hypercalcemic disorders. Serious but rare side effects such as anaphylaxis have been reported. Animal studies indicated a potential link to osteosarcoma, which is why the lifetime use is limited to two years.
Other medications with similar-sounding names
It is important to distinguish teriparatide from other medications with similar names that treat different conditions:
- Terramycin (Oxytetracycline injection): An antibiotic for bacterial infections.
- Tera Tablet: An antifungal medication for skin and nail infections.
Always verify medication names with a healthcare provider to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Tera injection' is not a recognized medication, but the term likely refers to teriparatide, a significant anabolic treatment for severe osteoporosis in high-risk individuals. It works by building new bone, offering a crucial option for increasing bone mass and preventing fractures. Teriparatide requires specific administration and comes with potential side effects and precautions, which should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Care should be taken to differentiate it from other drugs like Terramycin or Tera Tablet. For more details on teriparatide, you can refer to the MedlinePlus drug information page.
