Introduction:
Teriparatide injection is an advancement in the medical field that helps manage bone diseases. Teriparatide is the synthetic part of parathyroid hormone. The injection helps in the management of bone health and helps in the stimulation of bone formation. It has gained attention because of the enhancement of bone density. It decreases the threat of bone fractures in older people, people with significant bone disorders, such as osteoporosis (reduced bone density), who cannot go for other medical treatment, and people taking medications, such as corticosteroids. The article provides an overview of the indications, contraindications, procedures, benefits, and risks of Teriparatide injection.
What Is Teriparatide Injection?
Teriparatide injection is a medication which is designed to manage bone disorders. Through this injection, the formation of new bone is stimulated and reduces bone brittleness.
What Are the Indications of Teriparatide Injection?
The injection is generally indicated for those people who are not suitable for other medical treatments for osteoporosis. It is a first-line treatment for osteoporosis. Generally, the indications of Teriparatide injections are described below:
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Severe Osteoporosis: People who are diagnosed with severe osteoporosis are prescribed this injection. Old age people above the age of 45 years are at high risk of fractures. The bone density is reduced in old aged people.
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High Risk of Fracture: An individual with a high risk of cracking bones can opt for this injection.
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No Response to Other Treatments: Teriparatide injection is recommended for those people who do not show any response to other medical treatments for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates. People who do not show significant improvements with other treatments can be indicated with this injection.
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Medication-Induced Osteoporosis: The injection is indicated for people taking long-term glucocorticoids to manage osteoporosis. However, this medication does not show any improvement and can contribute to bone loss.
What Are the Contraindications of Teriparatide Injection?
The Teriparatide injection is well tolerated by people. However, there are some contraindications or situations in which the injection is not recommended due to several complications. The common contraindications for Teriparatide injection are as follows:
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Allergic Reaction: People who are hypersensitive to this injection are contraindicated.
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Skeletal Malignancies: Teriparatide injection is contraindicated in people with a history of bone tumors.
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High Calcium Levels: The Teriparatide injection may elevate the calcium levels in the blood. People with already high calcium levels should not go for this injection.
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Bone Cancer: People who are suffering from bone cancer, such as osteosarcoma, should avoid this injection.
What Is the Mechanism of Action of Teriparatide Injection?
The mechanism of action of Teriparatide injection is described below:
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Osteoblasts Stimulation: Teriparatide is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone. These act on the osteoblast cells responsible for the formation of bones. The new bone cells are differentiated and stimulated, which promotes the formation of a new bone matrix.
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Increased Bone Formation: The new bone is formed by enhancing the new bone cell formation. The bone density is increased, leading to the improvement of bone microarchitecture.
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Bone Turnover Stimulation: By injecting this injection, new bone is formed, and old or damaged bone is resorbed.
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Decrease the Risk of Fracture: The increase in bone formation and balance between bone formation and resorption rate contributes to the reduced fracture risk.
How Is Teriparatide Injection Used?
The healthcare provider may adhere to prescribed guidelines, and there is a need for careful administration of Teriparatide injection. The overview of Teriparatide injection is described below:
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Dose of Injection: The dose of Teriparatide injection is based on the patient's bone health and risk of fracture. The approximate dose of Teriparatide injection is 620 micrograms/2.48 milliliters.
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Route of Administration: The healthcare provider may administer the Teriparatide injection subcutaneously. The doctor may rub the skin with an alcohol swab and then inject the medication under the skin of the patient.
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Site of Injection: The common site of Teriparatide injection is the thigh and abdominal area.
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Injection Timing: The injection can be injected once a day. The healthcare provider may inject the medication at the same time of the day.
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Medication Storage: The injection should be stored in a refrigerator, not a freezer.
What Are the Uses of Teriparatide Injection?
The uses of Teriparatide injection are as follows:
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It can be prescribed to older adults who are at high risk of fractures.
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It is advised to manage bone diseases, like osteoporosis, where other treatments fail to manage the condition.
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It improves the bone density.
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It improves overall bone health.
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It promotes new bone formation.
What Are the Side Effects of Teriparatide Injection?
In addition to uses, there are several side effects of Teriparatide injection, which are as follows:
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Some people may experience allergic reactions at the injection site. The side effects can be pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
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Some people may experience mild nausea.
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The injection may cause dizziness in some people.
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Leg cramping is another common side effect. People should maintain hydration to manage leg cramps.
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There can be an elevation of calcium levels in the blood.
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Lightheadedness.
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A drop in the blood pressure.
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Persistent heart palpitations.
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Headache.
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An increase in serum uric acid levels.
What Are the Precautions of Teriparatide Injection?
The precautions are described below:
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People with a history of kidney stones are at increased risk of developing again. Take proper fluid and electrolyte intake to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
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The doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements for people with insufficient dietary intake.
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Pregnant and breastfed women are not indicated for this injection.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Teriparatide injection is a valuable option for people with a high risk of fractures and bone diseases. The injection helps form new bone cells and resorption of damaged bone. The decreased fracture risk and improved bone density are the expected benefits. The side effects include allergic reactions, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, palpitations, and decreased blood pressure. Teriparatide injections are contraindicated for pregnant and breastfed women. Several measures, such as adequate fluid intake, need to be followed. Regular follow-up appointments are required to evaluate treatment efficacy and manage side effects.
