Teriparatide is the active fragment of recombinant human parathyroid hormone. It increases bone mass by stimulating osteoblast activity and is primarily used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk of fracture, as well as osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids. The 24-month treatment limit is not based on diminished efficacy but rather on safety considerations: animal studies have shown that long-term high-dose use of teriparatide increases the incidence of osteosarcoma in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Although the correlation between these risks and human use is unclear, the duration of treatment is strictly limited in clinical practice to avoid potential harm.
Furthermore, this drug is strictly contraindicated in high-risk groups such as adolescents with unclosed epiphyses and patients with a history of osteosarcoma. Clinically, a subcutaneous injection of 20 μg teriparatide daily is recommended. During treatment, calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be given according to dietary intake. Patients with moderate renal or hepatic impairment should use this drug with caution. It is important to note that the osteogenic effect of teriparatide diminishes rapidly after discontinuation. Without follow-up treatment, the increased bone density may be lost again. Therefore, after discontinuation, patients should immediately switch to anti-resorption drugs such as bisphosphonates or denosumab to prolong the treatment effect.
Current clinical studies have confirmed that, within a standard 24-month course of treatment, teriparatide significantly reduces the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis, and its benefits far outweigh the potential risks. Strict adherence to the treatment course is crucial to ensuring its safe clinical application.
Whatsapp: +85246360786 sararaws128@gmail.com