I am so grateful that you took the time to respond with such a thorough explanation. Was it difficult self administering the shots? I am so sorry that you had to deal with a compression fracture after the Fosomax improvement.
Forteo (teriparatide) requires a follow-up drug because it primarily stimulates bone formation, meaning when you stop taking it, there's a risk of bone mineral density loss, so a different medication, usually a bisphosphonate or denosumab, is needed to maintain the bone gains achieved during Forteo treatment and prevent bone loss after stopping the drug; this is due to the mechanism of action of Forteo, which primarily focuses on building new bone rather than inhibiting bone breakdown.
Key points about Forteo and follow-up medication:
Bone building effect:
Forteo works by stimulating osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone, leading to a rapid increase in bone density during treatment.
Limited treatment duration:
Due to potential side effects, Forteo is typically only prescribed for a maximum of 2 years.
Rebound effect:
When stopping Forteo abruptly, the bone turnover rate can shift back towards bone resorption, potentially leading to bone loss if not managed with another medication. Common follow-up drugs:
"After completing Forteo, doctors often prescribe bisphosphonates like alendronate or risedronate, or denosumab, which primarily work by inhibiting bone resorption.