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Forteo vs. Tymlos

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Forteo (teriparatide) and Tymlos (abaloparatide) are both medications used to treat osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women at high risk for fractures. They are both parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs and are given as daily injections under the skin. However, Forteo is also approved for treating osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use, while Tymlos is not. Forteo must be refrigerated at all times, whereas Tymlos can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days after its first use, making it more convenient for travel. Both medications can only be used for up to 2 years due to a theoretical risk of bone cancer. Studies suggest that Tymlos might be more effective at lowering the risk of fractures and may have a lower risk of causing high calcium levels in the blood compared to Forteo. Forteo has a generic version available, while Tymlos does not.

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Forteo

(teriparatide)

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Tymlos

(abaloparatide)

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Summary for Forteo

Prescription only

Forteo (teriparatide) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It's for people who are at very high fracture risk or people who've already tried other osteoporosis medications. Forteo (teriparatide) is an injection that you give to yourself once a day. Some common side effects include general body pain and joint pain. This medication comes as a prefilled pen, but it doesn't come with pen needles. Forteo (teriparatide) is only available as a brand medication; there's no generic version yet.

Indications for Forteo

Pros and Cons for Forteo

Pros

  • Can use if you're unable to take or still getting fractures with other osteoporosis medications
  • A first-choice option for people at very high fracture risk (have had a fracture caused by osteoporosis before or have many risk factors for fracture)
  • Lowers the risk for back fractures and fractures in other parts of the body (not including the hip) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Cons

  • Not a first-choice option for most people with osteoporosis
  • Only available as an injection under the skin
  • Can only use for a total of 2 years throughout your entire life because of unclear risk for bone cancer with longer treatment

Common Side Effects for Forteo

  • Body pain (21%)
  • Joint pain (10%)
  • Runny nose (10%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Body weakness (9%)
  • Headache (8%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • High blood pressure (7%)

Warnings for Forteo

  • Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
  • High calcium levels in the blood
  • Kidney stones
  • Low blood pressure
  • Higher risk of side effects from digoxin (Lanoxin)

Summary for Tymlos

Prescription only

Tymlos (abaloparatide) is a medication used for osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women at high risk for breaking bones (fractures). It's given once per day as an injection under the skin. This medication can't be used for longer than 2 years because of a theoretical risk of causing bone cancer.

Indications for Tymlos

  • Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
  • Osteoporosis in men

Pros and Cons for Tymlos

Pros

  • Available as a pre-filled pen with 30 doses
  • Good choice for men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or who've previously tried other osteoporosis medications
  • Can keep at room temperature after its first use for up to 30 days, making it convenient to take it on the go

Cons

  • Needs to be injected under the skin once per day
  • Not approved for osteoporosis from long-term corticosteroid use
  • Can't use for longer than 2 years

Common Side Effects for Tymlos

  • Redness at injection site (up to 58%)
  • Swelling at injection site (up to 10%)
  • Dizziness (up to 10%)
  • Pain at injection site (up to 9%)
  • Nausea (up to 8%)

*Percentages of people who reported these side effects might differ between men and postmenopausal women taking this medication.

Warnings for Tymlos

  • Bone cancer
  • Sudden low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
  • High blood calcium levels
  • Kidney stones

Prices with our coupons for Forteo vs. Tymlos

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Teriparatide (Forteo)1 pen / 20mcg/dose
$1,035.37-
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Tymlos1 pen / 1.56ml of 80mcg/dose
$2,883.03-
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