Parathyroid hormone and analogs (a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone) control the distribution of phosphate and calcium in the body. High levels of parathyroid hormone triggers transfer of calcium from the bones to the blood. It increases absorption of calcium by the intestine and increases reabsorption of calcium by the renal tubules. A low level of parathyroid hormone reduces calcium levels in the blood.
Constant high levels of parathyroid hormone cause bone resorption but sporadic administration of exogenous recombinant parathyroid hormone stimulates bone formation.
Clinically used parathyroid hormone analogs are used to build bone mass in patients who have low bone density. They are used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women, who have fractures or are at a high risk of having fractures.
Teriparatide injection is used to treat osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause ('change in life,' end of menstrual periods), who are at high risk of fractures (broken bones), and cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with certain types of osteoporosis who are at high risk for having broken bones (fractures), and who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide injection is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroids (a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis in some patients) who are at high risk of fractures (broken bones), and cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Teriparatide injection contains a synthetic form of natural human hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). It works by causing the body to build new bone and by increasing bone strength and density (thickness).
