Teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone ) is an anabolic agent 
approved for the treatment of patients at high risk for fracture. The Fracture 
Prevention Trial administered teriparatide to treatment-naïve patients, leading 
to its US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2002. Clinical trial data 
using antiresorptive agents administered before, during, and after any 
parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy, as well as alternative PTH dosing, have 
provided additional insight yet raise fundamental questions about the most 
appropriate use of teriparatide. This article provides an update on 
teriparatide, focusing on its mechanism of action compared with other 
antiresorptive agents, indications, adverse effects, therapy duration, 
combination therapy, contraindications, and cost effectiveness.