Everyone on Forteo discard after 28 days?

Posted by redlo @redlo, Jan 25 9:26am

I know they've only tested for 28 days the potency of Forteo but does that really mean there is no benefit? I hate throwing it away when there is so much leftover.
I am talking about maybe using for 30,31 days. It is so expensive!

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 25 9:40am

Hi @redlo, the instructions in the Foreto Website says this:
“Inject FORTEO one time each day in your thigh or abdomen (lower stomach area). Talk to a healthcare provider about how to rotate injection sites.

Do not use FORTEO after the expiration date printed on the delivery device and packaging.
Throw away the FORTEO delivery device 28 days after first use.

The FORTEO delivery device contains 28 days of medicine. Throw away the FORTEO delivery device 28 days after first use, even if it is not completely empty.
Do not inject all the medicine in the FORTEO delivery device at any one time.

It’s appears there should only be enough medication for a total of 28 days taken at the proper dosage. If there is liquid remaining it may not be enough for a complete dose of the medication and should be discarded.

njhornung | @normahorn | Jan 25 9:50am

Companies err on the side of including a few extra doses in something like a pen rather than risk underfilling a pen. Standard practice.

njx58 | @njx58 | Jan 25 10:21am

In reply to @loribmt "Hi @redlo, the instructions in the Foreto Website says this: “Inject FORTEO one time each day..." + (show)

There are definitely more doses in the pen. I believe the 28-day limit is because they can't guarantee the effectiveness of the preservative that is added to the medication. It's not as if day 28, the medicine works, and day 29, suddenly it doesn't. Same story with Tymlos.

Others here have said that they've gotten away with using the pen for a couple more days, and in some cases, the doctor said it was ok. I don't think a day or two is going to matter, in my opinion.

gently | @gently | Jan 25 5:46pm

@loribmt, I don't know anyone who tosses that extra dose of liquid gold. I've heard of people refridgerating the pen especially when they have to miss a dose or two.

mayblin | @mayblin | Jan 25 10:09pm

I got rid of the Forteo pens after 28 days use, with 2 exceptions - on one occasion the shipment was late, and with the very last pen. When using the pens beyond 28 days, I made sure the liquid is clear and colorless. Each pen does have at least 3-4 extra doses. The problem is there isn't anything available to read about the stability of the liquid other than to follow manufacturer's instruction. The only relatable reference I've encountered is about the stability of lyophilized teriparatide after reconstitution.