Does Forteo cause weight gain? 

Does Forteo cause weight gain? 

No, Forteo does not cause weight gain. This medication is not a typical one as it is the synthetic version of parathyroid hormone that happens to be a normal part of your body’s physiology. This is why it does not affect your body like typical medications. 

However, you may experience a thing or two if there is an increased amount of this hormone in your body as a result of Forteo overuse. Even in that case, the expected weight-related side effect would be weight loss instead of weight gain. 

If you’re gaining weight and you think Forteo is the culprit, it’s probably not. Look for other factors that could be contributing to your weight gain and keep your lifestyle as healthy as possible. If you’re gaining a significant amount of weight for some reason, consult your healthcare provider. 

What side effects are common with Forteo?

Forteo may not affect your body weight, but it is associated with some side effects. These include (1):

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Joint pain
  • Leg cramps
  • Redness, pain, swelling, or itching at the site of injection

Forteo may also cause rare and serious side effects in some individuals, which should be immediately reported to the prescribing physician. These include:

  • An allergic reaction
  • An increased risk of osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer
  • Hypercalcemia, which can cause kidney problems, bone pain, and other serious side effects.
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Increased risk of bone cancer
  • Worsening of osteoporosis

It is important to note that Forteo does not cause these side effects in every other person taking this medication. Some people tolerate Forteo pretty well, while others may experience unwanted adverse events. 

This is why you should keep a close eye on your side effects and report them to your prescribing physician. If it’s not the right choice of medication in your case, your doctor will recommend another safer one.

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References

1.-

MedlinePlus. Teriparatide. MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2022 Oct 4]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603018.html