Hello Skip, thanks so much for writing.

Forteo is an anabolic medication that is the equivalent of the body's own parathyroid hormone.

The Forteo Web site indicates a fast heartbeat after a Forteo injection is a possibility. From http://www.forteo.com/: "Most side effects of FORTEO are mild. Side effects may include dizziness and leg cramps. Patients who become lightheaded or have fast heartbeats after an injection should sit or lie down until they feel better. Patients who do not feel better should call their doctor before continuing treatment. Patients should contact a health care provider if they have continuing nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness. These may be signs there is too much calcium in the blood. Patients may experience 1 or more of the following reactions at the injection site: redness, swelling, pain, itching, a few drops of blood, and bruising. These reactions are usually mild and last for a short time."

As for specifics about an irregular heartbeat or arrythmia, I've seen occasional anecdotal reports of such a problem but not as a major problem listed in the official literature. You may want to ask your physician about any correlation.

skip

11/ 8/07 10:08pm

Thanks.  Let me share with you the reason for my question.

 

I had been on Forteo for about two years when earlier this year I had my annual physical.  During the treadmill stress test, I had for the first time a brief episode of arrythmia - no other systems and I was not aware of the arrythmia.  As a follow up, I had a CT angiogram.  It showed that the blood vessels in my heart are in great shape - and I was told to keep doing whatever I was doing.  So, the episode was unexplained.  At dinner last weekend, a friend with osteoporosis said she chose not to take Forteo because it can cause irregular heartbeats.  That started me wondering about Forteo and arrythmia, but I have not been able to find reports on the Internet.

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

Skip

Lila de Tantillo

11/ 9/07 10:53am

Thanks so much for the additional info. Like you, I haven't really been able to find data on forteo and irregular heartbeats -- did your friend mention where she saw the information? As was pointed out earlier, their have been concerns that this side effect could be related to another type of osteopororis medication, bisphosphonates, but forteo is completely different from those. I am very glad to hear your doctor gave you a good bill of health, but if you continue to experience such symptoms or have concerns, you may want to ask your physician about further tests to rule out an underlying condition. Arrhythmia can be of particular concern for individuals with osteoporosis, because it can sometimes lead to fainting spells or temporary loss of balance that can contribute to a fall -- especially bad news for someone with brittle bones. Regards, Lila