Tymlos (abaloparatide) is a prescription drug approved to treat osteoporosis. Tymlos comes as a liquid solution inside a prefilled pen and is given as an injection under the skin.

Specifically, Tymlos is used to treat osteoporosis in certain adults (females in postmenopause or males) who have a high risk of bone fracture. To learn more about the drug’s uses, see the “Uses for Tymlos” section.

Note: You’ll notice the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.” While we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.

Tymlos basics

Tymlos contains the active ingredient abaloparatide. It belongs to a group of drugs called parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) analogs.

Tymlos is a brand-name medication. A generic version of the drug isn’t currently available.

Like most drugs, Tymlos may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects Tymlos may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Tymlos. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using Tymlos and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Tymlos can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Tymlos’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Tymlos that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Tymlos can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Tymlos, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Tymlos that have been reported include:

For more information about side effects related to boxed warnings, see the “Precautions” section.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Tymlos can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t seen in studies, but it has been reported since Tymlos was approved for use.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Tymlos treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Tymlos, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Tymlos is used to treat osteoporosis in certain adults (females in postmenopause or males) who have a high risk of bone fracture. Your risk of fracture is higher if:

  • you have a history of fractures due to osteoporosis
  • other medications to treat osteoporosis either didn’t work for you or you couldn’t take them

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to weaken. With this condition, your bones may fracture or break more easily than usual.

Osteoporosis may have various causes, including changes in your hormone levels. Having decreased levels of calcium or vitamin D may also lead to osteoporosis.

Tymlos works to treat osteoporosis by increasing your bone density and strength.

The Tymlos dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Tymlos to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Form and strength

Tymlos comes as a liquid solution inside a prefilled pen and is given as an injection under your skin. The drug is available in one strength of 2,000 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL). Each pen contains 30 doses of 80 mcg each.

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Tymlos that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Dosage for osteoporosis

The recommended dosage of Tymlos is an injection of 80 mcg given once per day.

How to inject

Your doctor will explain how to inject Tymlos. They’ll also explain how much to use and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Tymlos comes in a prefilled pen and is given as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself these injections at home.

You’ll store your Tymlos pen in the refrigerator until your first injection. When you’re ready for your first dose, remove the pen from the fridge and let it warm for 30 minutes to room temperature.

Your pen should then be kept at room temperature for 30 days, and you’ll inject a dose once daily. Each Tymlos pen contains 30 doses.

The manufacturer of Tymlos provides written instructions and a video explaining how to inject the drug. If you have other questions about using Tymlos, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

About using Tymlos

The following are some common questions about using Tymlos.

  • Should I take Tymlos with food? You can take your dose of Tymlos with or without food.
  • Is there a best time of day to use Tymlos? Tymlos can be used at any time of day, but it’s best to inject your dose around the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of Tymlos in your body, which helps it work effectively.
  • What if I miss a dose of Tymlos? If you miss a dose of Tymlos, inject it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose at its usual time. You should not use two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
  • Will I need to use Tymlos long term? Tymlos is typically used as a long-term treatment for up to 2 years. If you need additional treatment for your condition beyond 2 years, your doctor can recommend an appropriate medication.
  • How long does Tymlos take to work? Tymlos begins to work after you take your first dose. But you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will order tests throughout your treatment, such as a bone mineral density test, to check whether Tymlos is working for your condition.

Overdose

Do not use more Tymlos than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • vertigo (feeling as if you or your surroundings are spinning)

What to do in case of overdose

Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much Tymlos. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Tymlos is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer of Tymlos didn’t look at interactions in studies of the drug.

Before starting Tymlos treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Tymlos. What you’ll pay for Tymlos may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A Tymlos savings card may also be available.

The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before using Tymlos.

Pregnancy and Tymlos

It’s not known whether Tymlos is safe to use during pregnancy. But in females, Tymlos is only approved for use in postmenopause. After menopause, you’re no longer able to become pregnant.

Birth control and Tymlos

It’s not known whether Tymlos is safe to take during pregnancy. But in females, Tymlos is only approved for use in postmenopause (a stage at which you can’t get pregnant).

If you’re a male with a partner who can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs before starting Tymlos treatment.

Tymlos and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Tymlos is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this drug.

Before using Tymlos, discuss your health history with your doctor. Tymlos may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Tymlos, see the “Side effects of Tymlos” section.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Tymlos, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are alternatives to Tymlos:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.