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.
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
I started Forteo injections in November 2009. I have endured the usual side effects of body pain and leg cramps. But last month, during a routine examination, my docter said that I have developed Irregular heart beats. The EKG showed a 'Premature atrial contraction' every second beat. This, my doc says, was an ectopic beat too often to be ignored. My earlier medical history shows no such beats. My doc wanted to observe further, but I decided to discontinue Forteo immediately. A month later, today, my EKG came back to normal.
Hi Norac, sorry to hear about your heart! However, I'm glad your back to normal after stopping Forteo. I too took Forteo, but I didn't have any side effects. We all react so differently, it's impossible to say who will or will not have problems.
Glad your problem has stabilized...Just be sure to watch that it doesn't come back while your off of Forteo.
Good luck...
Cardiac arrhythmias occur in the electrical impulses in the heart that one of your heartbeats do not function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly. Cardiac arrhythmias are common and generally harmless. Most people have occasional, irregular heartbeat, which may seem like a fluttering or palpitations. However, some arrhythmias can cause discomfort sometimes even life-threatening signs and symptoms.
Hello. Welcome to our community.
Although Forteo is not a bisphosphonate drug like Fosamax and Reclast, see this SharePost related to your question about arrhythmia as a side effect of osteoporosis medication:
Arrhythmia Update - Fosamax and Reclast
http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/9487/14664/update/
Let me know if I can help you find more specific information.
Best,
Maria
Thank you, Maria.
Skip