Gemtide 250mcg Injection

Gemtide 250mcg injection is used for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is given to individuals who have osteoporosis especially women after menopause and are prone to fractures. It contains teriparatide as its active component.

It is a synthetic version of the hormone produced by the parathyroid gland. This injection is given by a doctor or a nurse. Self-injection should not be done.

Dosage

Overdose

This medication will be given by a nurse or a doctor, so an overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience symptoms such as dizziness on standing up, headache, nausea, vomiting, then inform the nurse or doctor immediately. If you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

This injection will be injected by a nurse or a doctor. So, the chances of missing a dose are very low. However, if you feel a dose has been missed inform the nurse or doctor.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Teriparatide is similar to a natural hormone in the body and it works by increasing bone strength and thickness.

Directions for Use

• This medicine will be given in the hospital by your doctor or nurse as an injection.
• Do not self-inject this medicine.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take the Gemtide 250mcg injection during pregnancy?

This medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy, thus it should not be used. If you are pregnant or think you may be, you should discontinue this medicine and consult your doctor immediately. Proper birth control measures should be taken while consuming this medicine. You should consult your doctor, if you think you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby, before taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take the Gemtide 250mcg injection while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if this medicine passes into the breastmilk, hence you should not breastfeed during the treatment with this injection.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed the Gemtide 250mcg injection?

This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Hence, you should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Gemtide 250mcg injection?

There is limited information about the effects of this medicine on alcohol, but you should avoid taking alcohol in excessive amounts.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have high levels of calcium in your body or you have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy or muscle weakness.
• You have kidney stones or any other problems with your kidney.
• After the first few doses of this medicine, you may feel dizzy or experience an increase in heartbeats, you should sit or lie down immediately.
• This medicine should not be used in patients below 18 years.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. If you have problems with your kidney. If you have a condition of high calcium levels in the body. If you have any bone diseases. If you had any radiation therapy. If you have high levels of liver enzymes in your blood. If you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Side effects

• High cholesterol level
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of energy
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Palpitation
• Sleeplessness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Shortness of breath

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can interfere with the action of the Gemtide 250mg injection if, taken at the same time. Always inform your doctor about all the medicine you are taking, that includes all prescribed or non-prescribed herbal medicines, dietary supplements as well as other treatment if you are taking for any disorder.
• In particular, if you are already on heart-related medications like digoxin, as it may cause harmful effects.

Storage and disposal

• Store it in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
• You should not freeze.
• Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
• You should not use this medicine after the expiry date.
• Do not use this injection if you notice the contents are of a different coloured in any way or if particles are present.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I stop taking the treatment with this injection on my own?

• No, you should never stop taking this medicine until advised by the doctor, even if you are feeling good.
• If you stop taking this medicine it may lead to treatment failure.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disorder associated with bones. This usually occurs in postmenopausal women but may also occur in adults with low levels of calcium. It occurs due to the loss of calcium from bones, making the bones highly fragile. This condition increases the risk of fractures and may lead to other complications.