Abaloparatide Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Skip to main content
Print
Save

# Abaloparatide

Generic name: abaloparatide [ a-BAL-oh-PAR-a-tide ]
Brand name: Tymlos
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (3120 mcg/1.56 mL)
Drug class: Parathyroid hormone and analogs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 26, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is abaloparatide?

Abaloparatide is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have a high risk of bone fracture.

Abaloparatide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Abaloparatide has caused bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in animals but it is not known whether this would occur in people using abaloparatide. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Call your doctor at once if you have bone pain, unusual body aches, or a lump or swelling under your skin.

Avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. Smoking or heavy drinking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use abaloparatide if you are allergic to it.

Abaloparatide is not for use in children or young adults whose bones are still growing.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- Paget's disease or a bone disease other than osteoporosis;

- high blood levels of calcium or alkaline phosphatase;

- overactive parathyroid glands;

- bone cancer or radiation treatment involving your bones; or

- a kidney stone.

Abaloparatide has caused bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in animals but it is not known whether this would occur in people using this medicine. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Abaloparatide is for use only in women who can no longer get pregnant. It is not known whether abaloparatide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you think you may be pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

## How should I use abaloparatide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Abaloparatide is injected under the skin, usually once per day. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.

Use the medicine at the same time each day.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use only the injection pen provided with abaloparatide. Do not transfer the medicine to a syringe or other injection device or you could get an overdose.

Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject abaloparatide. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Abaloparatide can cause dizziness. Always give your injection at a time and place where you can sit or lie down for a short time.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Abaloparatide is only part of a complete treatment program that also includes diet changes, exercise, taking vitamin or mineral supplements, and changing certain behaviors. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store unopened injection pens in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

Once you start using the injection pen, store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat. After each use, remove the needle and cover the pen with the outer needle cap. Do not store the pen with a needle attached.

Each prefilled injection pen contains enough abaloparatide for 30 separate injections. Throw the pen away after 30 injections, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Abaloparatide is often given for only 2 years. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with abaloparatide.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Use your next dose at the regular time and stay on your once-daily schedule. Do not use 2 doses in one day.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, rapid heartbeats, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

## What should I avoid while using abaloparatide?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid smoking, or try to quit. Smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can also cause bone loss.

## Abaloparatide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Abaloparatide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out (may occur within 4 hours after injection);

- bone pain;

- unusual body aches;

- a new or worsening lump or swelling under your skin;

- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

- high calcium levels--confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss; or

- symptoms of a kidney stone--severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful urination.

Common side effects of abaloparatide may include:

- dizziness, spinning sensation;

- headache;

- fast heart rate;

- nausea, upper stomach pain; or

- feeling very tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Abaloparatide side effects (more detail)

## Abaloparatide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

80 mcg subcutaneously once a day
Comments:
-Cumulative use of this drug and parathyroid hormone analogs (e.g., teriparatide) for more than 2 years during a patient's lifetime is not recommended.
-Patients should receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate.
Use: For the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple risk factors for fracture, or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy; in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, this drug reduces the risk of vertebral fractures and nonvertebral fractures

Detailed Abaloparatide dosage information

## What other drugs will affect abaloparatide?

Other drugs may affect abaloparatide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Abaloparatide drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about abaloparatide

- Check interactions
- Reviews (86)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: parathyroid hormone and analogs
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Tymlos

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Osteoporosis

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.