Overview: Tymlos is used to treat osteoporosis, or weak bones. Common side effects include dizziness, a fast heartbeat, and stomach pain. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, low blood pressure upon standing, high calcium levels, and kidney stones. Tymlos is given as a shot under the skin.
Uses
What is Tymlos used for?
Tymlos (abaloparatide) is commonly used to treat osteoporosis, which is a condition that can cause weakened bones.
Tymlos may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Tymlos work (mechanism of action)?
Tymlos works by binding to a receptor in your body called the PTH1 receptor. This receptor normally binds to a natural hormone in your body called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps balance the levels of calcium and phosphate in your blood. By binding to this receptor, Tymlos helps stimulate bone formation and improve bone health.
How is Tymlos supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Tymlos
Dosage forms and strengths
- 2000 mcg/mL (30 doses of 80 mcg) prefilled pens
How should I store Tymlos?
Tymlos should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). After the first use, it should be stored for up to 30 days at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Do not freeze Tymlos or expose it to heat. Throw away the pen 30 days after you open it.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Tymlos?
The most common side effects of Tymlos are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Feeling off balance
- Headache
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near where the needle went in
- Bruising
- Joint or bone pain
There may be other side effects of Tymlos that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canadaor by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Tymlos?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Tymlos are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Tymlos may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Tymlos and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension). Tymlos may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you get up from a seated or lying position. This usually happens within four hours of a dose. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. When you start using Tymlos, you should be in a place where you can sit or lie down right away after your dose in case you have symptoms like lightheadedness. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension or if they do not go away or get worse.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Feeling weak
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats or a fast heartbeat
- Nausea
High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). Tymlos can cause high calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can lead to serious problems with your kidneys, heart, or bones. Keep all appointments for bloodwork before and while using Tymlos. Stop using Tymlos and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Peeing frequently
- Feeling thirsty
- Tiredness
- Confusion or dizziness
- Poor appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Bone pain
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Kidney Stones. Tymlos may cause you to have high levels of calcium in your pee, which can lead to kidney stones. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Pain in your side, lower back, or stomach
- Blood in your pee, which may look pink, red, or brown
- Feeling pain when you pee
Possible Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma). Studies in animals found that there was a possible risk of bone cancer, called osteosarcoma, with Tymlos. It is not known if people using Tymlos have a higher risk of getting bone cancer. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Bone pain or any pain that does not go away
- A lump or swelling under your skin that is tender when you touch it
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Tymlos?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Tymlos.
- Tymlos
- Abaloparatide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tymlos.
What should I know about Tymlos before using it?
Do not use Tymlos unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Tymlos with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Tymlos out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special care to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
This medicine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare, use, and throw away Tymlos. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
Follow any instructions from your health care provider about whether to take calcium and vitamin D supplements while you are using Tymlos.
Tymlos should only be used for up to two years.
Tymlos is not recommended for young adults whose bones are still growing because they can be at greater risk of some side effects. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Tymlos?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Tymlos is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Bone cancer, such as osteosarcoma, or family history of bone cancer
- Other bone problems, such as Paget’s disease
- Radiation therapy
- High calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Kidney problems or kidney stones
Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually prescribed Tymlos. It is not known if or how Tymlos could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually prescribed Tymlos. It is not known if Tymlos passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Tymlos?
For more information about Tymlos, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.tymlos.com or call them at 855-672-3487.
Interactions
Does Tymlos interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Tymlos and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tymlos.
Does Tymlos interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Tymlos and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Tymlos?
If you or someone else has used too much Tymlos, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Tymlos?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.