What it is used for
- Treating postmenopausal osteoporosis in women at high risk of fractures
- Treating osteoporosis in men at high risk of fractures, where approved
- Reducing the risk of spinal and other fractures
How it is used
- Use it only as prescribed by your doctor, and learn how to inject from your doctor or nurse first
- It is injected under the skin of the lower abdomen with the pen, changing the spot each time and following the leaflet to prepare the pen
- Give the first injections sitting down, or where you can sit or lie down at once if you feel dizzy
- Never share your pen with anyone, and take calcium and vitamin D if your doctor advises them
Possible side effects
- Dizziness, palpitations or a fast heartbeat soon after the injection
- Nausea, headache or tiredness
- Redness, swelling or pain where you inject
- Raised calcium in the blood or urine
Who should not use it
- Allergy to abaloparatide or any ingredient of the injection
- Children and young people whose bones are still growing
- Paget's disease of bone, an unexplained raised alkaline phosphatase, previous radiotherapy to the bones, or cancer in the bones
- A high blood calcium level
Before and while using it
- It can cause a drop in blood pressure on standing and dizziness after the injection; sit or lie down until it passes and do not drive if dizzy
- A type of bone cancer was seen in studies in rats; tell your doctor about any lasting bone pain or a new lump
- Tell your doctor about ongoing nausea, constipation, tiredness or muscle weakness, which can mean high calcium
- Tell your doctor if you have had kidney stones
- The total length of treatment is limited and is set by your specialist
Medicine interactions
- Raised calcium can increase the effect of digoxin; tell your doctor if you take it
- Blood pressure medicines can add to dizziness after the injection
- Do not take more calcium or vitamin D supplements than your doctor advises
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding; it is meant for osteoporosis after the menopause and in men
How to store it
- Keep new pens in the fridge and do not freeze them; after first use follow the leaflet on where to store it and for how long
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.