Teriparatide and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I had a complete hysterectomy at age 33 and was diagnosed with full-blown osteoporosis at age 50 when I snapped the right foot completely off the leg. I had it surgically reconnected with screws, plates, and cadaver bone. I immediately started Actonel for a few years, followed by Fosamax. I've broken 9 ribs since 2001, had a severe compression fracture of my T8 vertebrae in 2014. I am a letter carrier for USPS (since '98), am age 61 now, still working, and started Forteo on Oct 2, 2019 because my DEXA is 3.9. Forteo is sort of a last hope. I have experienced a little dizziness, but a lot of bone pain in my hips, arms, back, and hands. Some muscle pain as well. But I refuse to quit the Forteo. I'm a tough old bird and will literally work through this. With Christmas coming in the post office, I'm going to need a great deal of fortitude, but I'll make it!"

• Dut...
• January 5, 2020

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I'm having high blood pressure issues. (Never had a problem with BP.) Muscle and bone pain. Leg cramps and muscle spasms in weird places (i.e., back, arms, sides). Loss of balance. Great deal of problem walking."

• Suk...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2019

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I started using Forteo 6 months ago after a spinal compression fracture at T12 and a firm diagnosis of osteoporosis. I am 66 years old. My mother and grandmother both had severe osteoporosis with multiple painful fractures and loss of height. The decision to use Forteo is based on my belief in trying to do the best I can for myself. Yes, I have had side effects, but I consider them no worse than the pain, downtime, and long-term disability fractures and continuing bone loss will mean to me. Some of the side effects have already gone away such as dizziness and insomnia. I was recently diagnosed with proximal atrial fib - who knows if it is medication related. Think my body is adjusting! As to whether it works, only time will tell and I will not be eligible for a bone scan until the one-year mark. Despite side effects such as bone pain, I believe it is important to do everything I can to feel and be better. Praying for a good result at the one-year mark."

• Cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2015

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I began taking Forteo on December 2, 2014, after having neck surgery to remove two discs. One week after the surgery, I returned for an X-ray, and the lower part of the plate had come loose from my vertebrae. I was asked if I had fallen, hit my head, or had any type of accident. I told them I hadn't. Then, they told me the surgery was a failure. I was put on Forteo 2-1/2 months after my surgery. From the beginning, I began having side effects. I've had dizziness resulting in stumbling and falls, and bone pain. I opted to stay on it. I have taken a two-week break, and my symptoms disappeared. I'm debating going back on it."

• Bab...
• June 13, 2015

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I started Forteo 3 months ago after a bad fall. I am a 55-year-old female. I thought at first it was my miracle answer. After starting the meds, my health began to decline with frequent infections of thrush, overall weakness after month 3. I'm unable to even go to church, which is my life. I play the piano and am a praise leader. My pain has gotten worse and it drops my BP way down. I was told to take it at bedtime, and that helped somewhat, although I have stumbled and fallen a few times due to dizziness. I wonder, has anyone else had any negative side effects? I am so scared. Lilly and the nurse have been very helpful and call frequently asking for lot numbers and usage. My OBGYN gave it to me. My PCP said to get off of it. Any help, please?"

• Wea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2016

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I have severe osteo and have tried other osteo meds but didn't tolerate. I am 61. My endo said I need to start Forteo since it's the only one that adds bones. I have been on it for a year and just had a bone scan. No improvement! In fact, my spine lost a little. I am so upset since I have been giving myself daily injections and have had a lot of side effects with the drug, including headache, dizziness, insomnia, tiredness, and hip pain."

• Fli...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2019

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I have been on Forteo for 19 months. For the last 3 months, I have experienced extreme dizziness every few weeks (so dizzy I have to hold tightly onto anything for fear of falling for several minutes) and have gained 8 pounds. After a dizzy spell, I am wiped out all day. I'm no longer sure the benefits are worth this."

• Dog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2017

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I have been on Forteo for 2 months now. I had 2 spinal compression fractures, 4 fractured ribs, right side, and then I hollered at a dog, another fracture. MRI said osteoporosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, severe osteoarthritis, surgery. My bones were mush. I'm supposed to do Forteo for 2 to 3 months. Now I have bad stomach aches, a hoarse voice, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, charley horses in legs, and trouble sleeping. It's a complicated, risky surgery. I hope this is all worth it. I feel awful and crooked badly."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2021

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I am 69 years old. My endocrinologist prescribed Forteo for osteoporosis. After 6 injections, I developed severe bone pain and stopped the med. I saw the doctor again, and she urged me to try it again. After injection number 5, I developed acute vertigo on a Friday evening. It is now 48 hours since, and I am still bedridden, very dizzy, and nauseous. I will call my PCP tomorrow. I have never felt so ill and frightened in my life. Don't take this stuff."

• Dar...
• September 8, 2017

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "After one injection, 20 minutes later I was dizzy, nauseous, and overall yucky. 4 hrs post-injection my acid reflux was so bad, I could not sleep laying down. The next day, I have had such horrible diarrhea, I am down 3 pounds since the morning. I am not going to take another shot until all this subsides."

• Spa...
• March 14, 2017

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I had a spinal fusion surgery of T9-S1 just 8 weeks ago. I am a 62-year-old female. Recovery was going well. 2 weeks ago, I was asked to start on Forteo. Within 8 days, I began to have knee pains, and it is getting worse by the day, making me feel rather unsteady when I walk. I am also having slight dizziness and a constant mild headache. I am going to speak to my surgeon regarding stopping this medication."

• Nan...
• May 31, 2018

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I had the 2nd dose of Forteo and had pain at the injection site increasing in severity days 2-17; injections stopped after day 17 due to the severity of reactions. I developed pancreatitis, ulcer, acid reflux, constipation, vertigo. Another side effect I had was welts. On day 3, I developed a welt behind my ear. Day 4, a small welt at the injection site, which grew in size. Developed welts all over my back, which were highly painful and sensitive to any touch/stimulus. Along with welts, I began to develop hives all over my arms and trunk. Months later, even though the injections had stopped, I still had those reactions, even while on a variety of different prescribed hive remedies. Was diagnosed with chronic urticaria in April 2016, and am now on Levocetirizine - 2 pills/2x per day. Have tried tapering off, but have rash outbreaks within 2-5 days. Also had chronic joint pain, which has not gone away. Taking this drug caused worse results than Fosamax, Boniva, and several other meds that had to be discontinued because of severe muscle/joint pain."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2021

Forteo (teriparatide) for Osteoporosis "I have been on Forteo for just 6 weeks short of 2 years. I’m off briefly waiting for my refill. I had several vertebrae break and my tailbone after a major surgery several years ago, and due to osteoporosis. I have joint pain, but I have it when I’m off of it also. I fell several times after another surgery a little over a year ago, but nothing broke. Then, 3 months ago, I fell again on the same knee on concrete. This time it broke. I’m recovering fine, and the doctor said there is no way to know if it’s my osteoporosis or not. Don’t know why I fell this time. Maybe dizzy because of Forteo, but can’t be sure. It’s not time yet for my bone density test... you know insurance? Can’t wait for the next bone density to see where I am."

• Anonymous
• August 22, 2008

"Been on Forteo for a week. Rated a 5 - neutral - as beneficial effects are yet to be seen. Learning the injection is tricky, but you get the hang of it. So far, no side effects. If it builds bone without the long-term negative effects of the bisphosphonates, I'm for it. Hopefully, one day a competing product will make it less expensive. Anyone with dizziness or tiredness should have serum calcium checked and their supplements and medicines adjusted before giving up."