What the studies show
Non-spinal fragility fractures fell from 6% to 3% — relative risk about 0.47. Hip fractures specifically were too few to analyse in this trial.
Several well-run randomised trials in people, pointing the same way. You can plan around this. It still says nothing about whether the effect is worth the side effects for you.
- 1Neer RM, Arnaud CD, Zanchetta JR, et al. Effect of parathyroid hormone (1-34) on fractures and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.N Engl J Med, 2001Fracture Prevention Trial; 1,637 women; the approval trial.
In context
Teriparatide is the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone, given as a daily injection for severe osteoporosis. Continuous parathyroid hormone strips bone; a brief daily pulse builds it — which is why the drug works and the hormone's excess does not. In the 1,637-woman trial behind its approval, new spinal fractures fell from 14% to 5% over about 21 months and non-spinal fragility fractures roughly halved. It is a prescription medicine, approved everywhere, with a long safety record; the original two-year lifetime limit was lifted by the FDA in 2020.
Teriparatide is approved (rx). Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.
Questions
Is Teriparatide proven to help with non-vertebral fracture risk?
What studies are behind the grade?
Is Teriparatide approved for this?
Other outcomes for Teriparatide
- AVertebral fracture risk (postmenopausal osteoporosis)1 large RCT (n=1,637, median 21 mo)
- ABone mineral densitySame RCT + many
- AVersus risedronate (head-to-head)VERO RCT (n=1,360, 24 mo)
- AAdverse effectsadverseApproval trial + 20 years of surveillance
Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 10 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →