Teriparatide is available for purchase in both branded and generic forms. The branded version is marketed as Forteo by Eli Lilly and Company [1]. Generic versions are also available from various manufacturers [2].
What is Teriparatide used for?
Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone analog used for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is indicated for patients at high risk for fracture, including postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis, and for men and women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis [3]. It works by stimulating bone formation [4].
When does Forteo's patent expire?
The primary patents protecting Forteo have expired, allowing for the introduction of generic versions. Specific patent expiration dates can be complex due to multiple patents covering different aspects of the drug. Information on the patent landscape for Forteo and other drugs can be found on DrugPatentWatch.com [5].
How does generic Teriparatide compare to the brand name?
Generic versions of teriparatide are bioequivalent to the branded product, meaning they have the same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, and route of administration [6]. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), require generic drugs to meet the same quality and performance standards as their brand-name counterparts [7]. Patients may experience similar therapeutic effects and side effects between the generic and branded versions.
What are the risks and side effects of Teriparatide?
Common side effects of teriparatide include nausea, headache, dizziness, joint pain, and leg cramps [8]. A potential serious risk is osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, which has been observed in rats in studies. The risk in humans is considered low, but it is a contraindication for patients with a history of bone cancer or certain bone diseases like Paget's disease [9]. Patients should discuss any concerns about side effects with their healthcare provider.
Can I buy Teriparatide online?
Teriparatide is a prescription medication and can be purchased from licensed pharmacies. Buying prescription drugs online should only be done through verified and legitimate online pharmacies that require a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. Be cautious of websites that do not require a prescription or offer unusually low prices, as these may be illegal and sell counterfeit or unsafe products [10].
Who makes generic Teriparatide?
Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic versions of teriparatide. Some of these include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Apotex, and Fresenius Kabi [2].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/forteo.html
[2] https://www.goodrx.com/teriparatide
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553131/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3887914/
[5] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[6] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/what-drug-biosimilar-or-interchangeable-generic-drug
[7] https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/types-regulatory-submissions-new-drugs
[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/teriparatide-injection-route/side-effects/drh-20074297
[9] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021308s010lbl.pdf
[10] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/internet-drug-disposal-and-safe-online-pharmacy-shopping