Teriparatide (Forteo Generic) Use & Side Effects

leeosteo,
I've been alternating between generic Alvogen and brand Forteo. I haven't expereinced a difference between them. I haven't had any negative events.
I'm waiting for summer in Colombia to get my $300 Forteo, only because it is less than the 736$ Alvogen at Rite Aid. Maybe you had luck with RX Advocates.

gently, thanks for the response. It's good to know that you haven't experienced a difference between the brand and generic version... and that you can switch between the two easily. Unfortunately, my insurance carrier is dropping the brand version in favor of the generic version in 2024.

I was just prescribed Forteo, and CVS Specialty Pharmacy is ready to ship teriparatide, but I am not sure how much it will cost with my AARP UHC Medicare Advantage plan. Also, how to handle shith drug when I travel outside of the US for an extended period og time. I was also a little bit frightened about how my body would handle my blood pressure medication Ramipril with this teriparatide.

md79, you do have to be careful with Ramipril and teriparatide. Teriparatide causes a drop in blood pressure Usually the drop is immediate rising gradually over the next four hours. But some have extended hypercalcemia.
Your plan covers teriparatide. You'll reach the out of pocket limit of $2100 quickly because I think the cost with your insurance is about $1,500 a pen. You'll need preapproval. If CVS is ready to send they can tell you the cost, but you United Health Care can tell you.
It's pretty easy to handle the travel unless you travel in the rough camping and such. There are handy devices for keeping the pen cold https://www.amazon.com/Approved-Portable-Medication-Refrigerated-Organizer/dp/B0F5BQ8T4D I've traveled all over with just ice packs. But I never camp.
I hope you take this medication because I think it is one of the two best.

Hi gently. My endo just recommended Forteo. Can you please share why you think it is one of the best drugs for OP. Thanks!

@gently My insurance pre-approved teriparatide. Yesterday, I talked to CVS, and I was told my out-of-pocket will be $5.01. I am not sure if this is the correct information.
Thank you for the link. I purchased the small travel case from Amazon. My hesitation about side effects, and I am not a candidate for backup treatment with biphosphonates after 2 years of teriparatide.
I am meeting my gynecologist today and my PCP next week for HRT (estradiol patch) to start, which I hope will be a backup to preserve the gain from teriparatide.
Even though my cardiologist gave clearance for HRT, my gynecologist is reluctant to prescribe it. While 0.2 mg/day is (based on clinical research data) helpful for bone density, I hope to start from 0.025 to 0.05 mg/day and gradually move up to at least 0.1mg/day as a woman with early surgical menopause and 10+ years after menopause.

md79, that's a great price. Praying it's correct. I also think you have a great plan. You may be able to extend teriparatide in 2 years.

@laren3, hi.
Forteo and Tymlos work with the mechanism our bodies normally use to maintain healthy bone. They increase the activity of cells that carry away damaged bone and increase the cells that replace the damaged bone with healthy bone. They are called anabolic because they build bone. Many endocrinologists are now understanding that it is better to build a healthy skeleton than to delay its decline.
Bisphosphonate medications stop the process of renewal and preserve older bone.
Prolia more intensely stops the process of renewal than bisphosphonates and adds bone over the fissured bone.
Evenity slows the resorption of newer bone and adds more bone than Prolia.
Each of these medications has value in some situations for some people with osteoporosis or cancer.
From what I understand Forteo is the osteoporosis drug with the least side effects. I haven't experienced any negative side effects. I haven't taken any of the other medications so I can't make a valid personal comparison to the others. But I so like this drug.
Tymlos is thought to have a stronger effect on bone density in the hips than Forteo. It may be the better drug. A person might be very slightly more likely to experience hypercalcemia with Forteo than Tymlos and your endocrinologist will watch your calcium.
While the two medication have the same mechanism they are different. Tymlos is 80mcg of medication and Forteo is 20mcg. Forteo is a more simple drug. Tymlos contains the preservative phenol which some people are allergic to.
While I like the mechanism of action of Forteo and Tymlos. I positively dislike the mechanism of action of all the others. But you might take a good look at the others. If you can think of any questions I'm happy to answer.