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.
