Generic Name: abaloparatide
Brand Name: Tymlos
Drug Class: Parathyroid Hormone Analogs
What is abaloparatide, and what is it used for?
Abaloparatide is a medication used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and osteoporotic men who are at high risk for fracture, and patients who do not respond or are intolerant to other osteoporosis treatments. Osteoporosis is a condition with lower than normal bone mineral density, which makes bones weak and brittle, increasing the risk for fractures with even minor falls. Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women and elderly men. Abaloparatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection with pre-filled pens.
Bone tissue is constantly broken down and replaced in the body, and osteoporosis results when new bone tissue growth does not keep up with the loss of bone tissue. Abaloparatide is a synthetic protein fragment (peptide), structurally similar (analog) to human parathyroid hormone-related protein (hPTHrP), a peptide that promotes new bone tissue growth. Abaloparatide stimulates parathyroid hormone receptors in bones and cartilages which induces the growth of new bone cells, increasing bone mineral density, mass and strength.
Warnings
- Do not use abaloparatide in patients with hypersensitivity to any component in the formulation.
- Provide appropriate training and instructions to the patients and caregivers for proper use of the pre-filled pens.
- Abaloparatide increased the incidence of dose-related osteosarcoma, a type of malignant bone cancer, in animal studies. It is not known if the drug can cause osteosarcoma in humans. Avoid use in patients at risk for osteosarcoma, including patients with:
- Paget’s disease of bone
- Unexplained elevation of alkaline phosphatase
- Incomplete bone growth (open epiphysis - pediatric patients, use not approved)
- Bone metastases or skeletal malignancies
- Hereditary disorders predisposing to osteosarcoma
- Prior external beam or implant radiation therapy involving the skeleton
- Cumulative use of abaloparatide and other parathyroid hormone analogs such as teriparatide for longer than 2 years during a patient’s lifetime is not recommended.
- Abaloparatide can cause positional (orthostatic) hypotension, typically within 4 hours after administration. The injection should be administered where the patient can sit or lie down, if necessary.
- Abaloparatide can increase blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Avoid use in patients with pre-existing hypercalcemia or hypercalcemic disorder.
- Abaloparatide can increase urinary excretion of calcium (hypercalciuria) and the risk of urinary stones. Use with caution in patients with active or prior history of urinary stones, and monitor urinary calcium levels.

QUESTION
What is another medical term for osteoporosis? See AnswerWhat are the side effects of abaloparatide?
Common side effects of abaloparatide include:
- Injection site reactions including:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Excessive calcium in urine (hypercalciuria)
- Palpitations
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Positional drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
- Fatigue
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Bone pain
- Vertigo
- Increase in serum uric acid
- Increase in blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
- Urinary stones
- Contusion
- Abdominal distension
- Upper abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Less common side effects of abaloparatide include:
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Weakness (asthenia)
- Feeling ill (malaise)
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Injection site reactions such as:
- Skin reactions such as:
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Hypersensitivity reactions including:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Back pain
- Pain in extremity
- Generalized pain
- Muscle spasms of leg and back
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:
- Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
- Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
- Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Health News
- Chinese Company May Help Ease U.S. Shortage of Cancer Drug
- Opdivo Could Boost Outcomes for People Battling Hodgkin Lymphoma
- More U.S. Kids, Teens Are Getting Weight-Loss Surgeries
- Could a Nitroglycerin Patch Ease Hot Flashes?
- One Form of Menopause Hormone Therapy Might Raise Blood Pressure
More Health News »
What are the dosages of abaloparatide?
Solution for subcutaneous (SC) injection
- 80 mcg/40 mcL (prefilled pen delivers 30 daily doses of 80 mcg)
Adult:
Osteoporosis
Women
- Indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture (defined as history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple risk factors for fracture), or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy
- Shown to reduce risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
- 80 mcg SC once daily
Men
- Indicated to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture (defined as history of osteoporotic fracture or multiple risk factors for fracture), or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy
- 80 mcg SC once daily
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
- Mild or moderate: No dosage adjustment required
- Severe: No dosage adjustment required; severe renal impairment may have increased abaloparatide systemic exposure and increased risk of adverse reactions; therefore, monitor for adverse reactions
Dosing Considerations
- Cumulative use of abaloparatide and parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs for longer than 2 years not recommended
- Patients should receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate
Pediatric:
Safety and efficacy not established
Overdose
- Abaloparatide overdose can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, weakness (asthenia), dizziness, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), positional drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), and high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
- There is no specific antidote for abaloparatide. Overdose may be treated with discontinuation of the drug, symptomatic and supportive treatment including hydration and monitoring of calcium and phosphorous levels.
What drugs interact with abaloparatide?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Abaloparatide has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Abaloparatide is intended for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and not approved for women with pregnancy potential or nursing mothers.
What else should I know about abaloparatide?
- Follow instructions exactly for the administration of abaloparatide injections.
- Do not share your abaloparatide prefilled pens with others and do not transfer pen contents to syringes.
- Sit or lie down if you feel lightheaded or have palpitations after the injection. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your physician.
- Notify your physician immediately if you develop symptoms of hypercalcemia, which can include vomiting, constipation, lethargy and muscle weakness.
- Report to your physician immediately if you feel persistent localized pain or growth of new soft tissue mass that feels tender.
- Store abaloparatide safely out of reach of children.
- In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Women's Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Summary
Abaloparatide is a medication used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and osteoporotic men who are at high risk for fracture, and patients who do not respond or are intolerant to other osteoporosis treatments. Common side effects of abaloparatide include injection site reactions, dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive calcium in urine (hypercalciuria), palpitations, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), positional drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), fatigue, joint pain (arthralgia), bone pain, vertigo, and others.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Osteoarthritis (OA): Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease most often affecting major joints such as knees, hands, back, or hips....
-
Osteoporosis Super-Foods for Strong Bones With Pictures
What sweetener is loaded with calcium? These bone-building super foods can help stave off osteoporosis, and many of them will...
-
What Is Osteoporosis? Treatment, Symptoms, Medication
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and density. Osteoporosis causes symptoms of weak, thin, fragile bones....
-
Osteoporosis Quiz: What is Osteoporosis?
What are the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of osteoporosis? Quiz yourself about vitamin deficiency, maintaining bone...
-
Arthritis: Supplements for Joint Pain
Can supplements help relieve joint pain and swelling? Find out how certain compounds may aid your stiff, tender joints.
-
Picture of Osteoporosis
Thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein. See a picture of Osteoporosis and...
-
Picture of Osteoporosis Progression
Bone mass (bone density) is the amount of bone present in the skeletal structure. See a picture of Osteoporosis Progression and...
-
Picture of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more...
-
Osteoarthritis: Guide to Hip Replacement
Ready for a hip replacement? Find out what to expect, from the day of hip surgery until months after your hip replacement.
-
Arthritis: Reasons Why Your Hips Hurt
You use them to sit, stand, dance, kick, and run. Find out from WebMD's slide show what makes your hips hurt, and what you can do...
-
Osteoporosis: Simple Steps to Boost Bone Health
Your bones tend to weaken as you age. But it's not unavoidable. Here are things you can do to keep them as strong as possible.
Related Disease Conditions
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.
-
Pain Management and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Second Source article from WebMD
-
16 Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Signs & Symptoms
Early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and signs vary differently from person to person. The most common body parts that are initially affected by RA include the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, and the knees and hip joints. Joint inflammation causes stiffness. Warmth, redness, and pain may vary in degree.
-
Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
-
What Organs Are Affected By Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes your bones to be weak and more likely to break. Organs affected by osteoporosis include the ovaries and thyroid gland.
-
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
-
Osteoarthritis vs. Osteoporosis Differences and Similarities
Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis and the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the entire joint. Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The differences in the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis include; pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, joint deformity, crackle sounds when the joint is moving, and walking with a limp. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it can progress for years without signs and symptoms before it is diagnosed, severe back pain, bone fractures, height loss, and difficulty or inability to walk. The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.
-
Can Drinking Soda Cause Osteoporosis?
Drinking soda and carbonated beverages significantly lowers bone density, which can cause osteoporosis to develop over time.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Fibromyalgia
Though rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia have similar symptoms, RA is an autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome. RA symptoms include joint redness, swelling, and pain that lasts more than 6 weeks. Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread pain, tingling feet or hands, depression, and bowel irritability. Home remedies for both include stress reduction, exercise, and getting enough sleep.
-
Can You Reverse Osteoporosis With Diet and Exercise?
While you can work to prevent or manage osteoporosis, you cannot stop it. However, the more you know about the disease itself and the different treatments, the better you can prevent or treat your osteoporosis. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are often thought to help.
-
Arthritis in Knee: 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis
Painful joint swelling is called arthritis. Osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear of the joints over many years. Arthritis maye develop in any joint, including the fingers, hips and knees. Usually, patients with arthritis feel pain in their joints even after moderate movements. There are four stages of osteoarthritis of the knee.
-
What Are the Four Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease categorized into the following four stages and classifications. Learn the causes, symptoms, and complications of RA below.
-
How Serious Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the joints and other body parts. If not diagnosed early and appropriately treated, RA can lead to permanent deformities, disabilities, and serious systemic complications.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term used to describe joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing chronic inflammation.
-
What Is The Main Cause of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder. Learn more about osteoporosis, what causes it, common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and what you can do to treat it.
-
Which Osteoporosis Medications Build Bone?
Osteoporosis medications that help build bone include Forteo, Tymlos, and Evenity. Learn more about how osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated.
-
Breastfeeding With Rheumatoid Arthritis
You can breastfeed your baby even if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, you must always consult your doctor before you start the process.
-
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic joint disorders. RA is also an autoimmune disease. OA and RA symptoms and signs include joint pain, warmth, and tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers treat both diseases. There are several prescription medications that treat RA.
-
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Osteoporosis?
Learn the six early warning signs of osteoporosis, which is often caused by an increased amount of calcium leaching into the bloodstream.
-
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis?
Bones are uniquely constructed to carry the weight of our bodies and to perform other functions, such as growing blood cells. They are living structures that are continually being built and broken down. The best way way to prevent osteoporosis is to get enough calcium, vitamin D and exercise.
-
Can Osteoarthritis Be Cured?
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured or reversed; however, effective treatment can reduce its progression and slow down complications.
-
What Are the Best Exercises for Osteoporosis?
What is osteoporosis and how can exercise help? Learn the best exercises for living with osteoporosis and how exercise can improve bone density.
-
What Is the Best Exercise for Osteoporosis?
Most any exercise is great for osteoporosis, but the most important are weight-bearing exercises and muscle strengthening exercises.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Osteoporosis FAQs
- How Does Pregnancy Affect the Course of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
- Thyroid Disease, Osteoporosis and Calcium
- Osteoporosis Linked to Bone Gene
- Osteoporosis - Bone Up On Estrogen...Women's Health
- Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment - Medications, Fluoride, Monitoring
- Patient Story: Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Which Patients Do Best?
- Can Synthroid Taken for Hypothyroidism Cause Osteoporosis?
- How Do You Treat a Spine Fracture from Osteoporosis?
- What Are the Best Exercises for Osteoporosis?
- Can My Diet Improve Arthritis?
- How Can You Prevent Osteoporosis?
- What Food Can I Eat to Prevent Osteoporosis?
- Does Hashimoto's Affect Heart Disease and Osteoporosis?
- What Are Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Patient Story: Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Prevention & Wellness
From 
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tymlos-abaloparatide-1000129
https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_tymlos_abaloparatide/drugs-condition.htm
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tymlos-abaloparatide-1000129
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/208743s003lbl.pdf
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/abaloparatide-drug-information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587447/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651712/