Teriparatide Dosing Calculator
Teriparatide: FDA-approved recombinant PTH(1-34) for osteoporosis.
Pre-filled with the most-reported community reconstitution protocol for Teriparatide. See how 1 mL and 2 mL of bacteriostatic water change concentration and syringe-draw volume, then adjust the calculator below for your own vial.
Quick answer · Community-reported standard
A 5 mg vial of Teriparatide reconstituted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL. At that concentration, a 20 mcg dose of Teriparatide equals 0.8 units on a U-100 insulin syringe (0.008 mL). Teriparatide is typically administered once daily via subcutaneous injection.
Teriparatide reconstitution: 1 mL vs 2 mL bac water
Bacteriostatic water volume is flexible. Less water means higher concentration and smaller injection volumes; more water means lower concentration and easier dose precision. Both options below are valid for a 5 mg vial.
| BAC water added | Concentration | Volume per 20 mcg dose | Draw on U-100 syringe (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5.00 mg/mL | 0.004 mL | 0.4 units |
| 2 mL | 2.50 mg/mL | 0.008 mL | 0.8 units |
Calculate your Teriparatide dose
Alternative Teriparatide protocols
Beyond the default above, Teriparatide is also reported in the following protocols. Use these as starting points and recalculate with the tool above.
Sequential Therapy Protocol
Community- Dose
- 20 mcg daily teriparatide followed by denosumab or bisphosphonate
- Frequency
- Daily (anabolic phase) then per antiresorptive schedule
- Duration
- 18-24 months anabolic then ongoing antiresorptive
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection then antiresorptive
Standard of care approach; community emphasizes importance of not leaving a gap between treatments
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Protocol
Community- Dose
- 20 mcg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Duration
- Up to 2 years
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
FDA-approved for GIOP; community includes patients on long-term corticosteroids
Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal, Male, and Glucocorticoid-Induced)
Clinical- Dose
- 20 mcg subcutaneous injection once daily. Fixed dose for all patients and all approved indications. No dose titration required.
- Frequency
- Once daily subcutaneous injection
- Duration
- No longer limited to 2 years (boxed warning removed 2020). Treatment duration determined by clinical judgment. Should be followed by antiresorptive therapy to maintain BMD gains.
No dose adjustment required for age, body weight, mild-moderate renal impairment, or hepatic impairment. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation recommended. Administer where patient can sit or lie down if dizziness occurs.
Teriparatide reconstitution & storage
Teriparatide (Forteo) is supplied as a pre-filled pen device containing 2.4 mL of solution (600 mcg total), delivering 28 daily doses of 20 mcg each. No reconstitution, mixing, or dilution is required. Biosimilar versions may have different pen configurations.
Store refrigerated at 2-8 degrees C (36-46 degrees F) at all times. Do not freeze. Do not use if the solution has been frozen. The pen may be used for up to 28 days after first injection. Recap pen after each use to protect from light.
Teriparatide dosing FAQ
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to a 5 mg vial of Teriparatide?
The community standard is 1 mL of bacteriostatic water for a 5 mg Teriparatide vial. That gives a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL, so a 20 mcg dose is 0.8 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Adding 1 mL instead doubles the concentration to 5.00 mg/mL and halves the draw to 0.4 units. Less water = smaller injection volume but harder to measure precisely.
How many syringe units is a 20 mcg dose of Teriparatide?
On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, a 20 mcg dose of Teriparatide is 0.8 units when the 5 mg vial is reconstituted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water (2.50 mg/mL). If you use 1 mL of bac water instead, draw 0.4 units (5.00 mg/mL).
What is the standard Teriparatide dose?
Community-reported protocols for Teriparatide typically use 20 mcg once daily via Subcutaneous injection. 20 mcg is a common starting dose. FDA-approved dose; self-administered via prefilled pen in thigh or abdominal wall
How long does a vial of Teriparatide last at 20 mcg once daily?
A 5 mg vial of Teriparatide contains roughly 250 doses at 20 mcg per injection. At once daily dosing, that is approximately 250 days (about 36 weeks) of supply per vial. Reconstituted Teriparatide should generally be used within 28 days when refrigerated.
Where do you inject Teriparatide?
Teriparatide is typically injected subcutaneous injection. Common sites reported in the literature and by users include: Thigh (anterior, middle third), Abdominal wall (periumbilical area). Rotate sites with each injection to reduce localized irritation.
Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water for Teriparatide?
Bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative) is strongly preferred for multi-dose vials like Teriparatide because it inhibits microbial growth and lets a single vial be used over multiple weeks. Sterile water has no preservative and should generally be reserved for single-use preparations only.
More on Teriparatide
Teriparatide overview
Mechanism of action, primary uses, and research summary
Teriparatide dosing protocols
Full clinical and research-based dosing reference
Teriparatide community protocols
Real-world usage patterns from peptide communities
Teriparatide side effects
Reported adverse effects and safety considerations
Medical Disclaimer
This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.