Adverse Reactions and Precautions
Because animal studies showed an increase in the incidence of osteosarcoma, a rare but serious cancer of the bone, children and adolescents and individuals with Paget's disease, who are at high risk for osteosarcoma, should not be treated with teriparatide. Although no osteosarcomas were reported in clinical studies, a black box warning was included with the labeling for this drug. Side effects reported from the clinical trials with teriparatide include nausea, dizziness, and leg cramps. Teriparatide should not be used in patients with hypercalcemia, women who are pregnant or nursing, or individuals who have been diagnosed with bone cancer or other cancers that have metastasized to the bone.