Tymlos (abaloparatide)

What it is

Tymlos (abaloparatide) is a daily self-injected medicine that helps build new bone. It is related to a natural hormone involved in bone growth (parathyroid hormone-related protein) and works by switching on the cells that form bone. Most osteoporosis medicines slow bone loss; Tymlos actively builds — which is why it is used for postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis who are at high risk of fracture (a broken bone), or who have not done well on other osteoporosis treatments. Bone density and treatment progress are tracked with DEXA scans — quick, painless bone density scans we perform in-house.

Before starting

Before starting, we check blood calcium and vitamin D levels. These matter because Tymlos can temporarily raise blood calcium after each dose, and starting with a normal calcium — and enough vitamin D for building bone — makes treatment both safer and more effective; a low vitamin D is corrected first. We also review your history for conditions that raise calcium or affect bone (such as parathyroid problems, Paget’s disease, or previous radiation to the bones), because Tymlos is not used in those situations. Tell us about all your medicines, including calcium supplements and water pills (diuretics), which also affect calcium.

How it’s given

It is a small injection under the skin of the belly that you give yourself once a day with a pre-filled pen. Our team will show you how before you start — most patients find the pen simple after one demonstration. Inject around the belly button area, rotating spots, at about the same time each day. The first few doses can make some people briefly dizzy, so give the first doses when you can sit or lie down afterwards. Store the pen in the refrigerator; each pen lasts 30 days. Treatment is usually taken for up to 2 years, after which your provider may switch you to a different medicine that keeps the new bone strong.

What to expect

You will not feel bone being built — success is measured on your DEXA scan, where density should rise over the treatment course, and by the real goal: no fractures. Blood tests may show a brief rise in calcium a few hours after a dose, which is expected and usually causes no symptoms. The most common side effects are dizziness shortly after injecting (from a temporary dip in blood pressure), nausea, headache, a racing heartbeat feeling, tiredness, and redness where the needle went in. These are most noticeable in the first days and usually fade. Call us if dizziness is severe, or for symptoms of high calcium such as unusual thirst, constipation, or confusion.

Everyday guidance

Tie the daily injection to a fixed habit — after breakfast or before bed — so it is rarely missed. If you do miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day; if it is the next day, skip it and continue. Never use a pen that has been frozen or left in heat. Keep taking calcium and vitamin D only as your provider directs, since levels are being monitored. Weight-bearing exercise, not smoking, and fall-proofing your home all multiply the benefit of the medicine. Keep DEXA and lab appointments even though you feel fine — with bone treatment, the scan is the scoreboard. Questions: call (361) 400-7700.