Is There a Generic for Forteo?

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Forteo (teriparatide) for osteoporosis treatment, you may be wondering: Is there a generic Forteo available? The good news is yes—generic teriparatide has been available in the United States since November 2023, providing patients with an alternative to the brand-name medication.

At QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy, we help osteoporosis patients navigate their medication options and access Forteo copay assistance programs that may reduce out-of-pocket costs—whether they’re taking brand Forteo or generic teriparatide.

This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about generic Forteo, including when it became available, which manufacturers make it, whether it’s as effective as the brand, and how to access copay assistance to help make treatment more affordable.

Is There a Generic for Forteo?

Yes, generic Forteo (teriparatide) is available in the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved generic versions of teriparatide injection. These generics are therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Forteo, meaning they contain the same active ingredient, work the same way in the body, and meet the same FDA quality and safety standards.

According to FDA approval records, generic teriparatide is available as:

• Teriparatide injection – 20 mcg/dose prefilled pen (equivalent to Forteo)

It’s important to note that generic teriparatide uses the same dosage and administration method as brand Forteo. However, the injection pen device may look slightly different depending on the manufacturer.

When Did Generic Forteo Become Available?

Understanding the timeline of generic teriparatide availability helps explain your options today:

Forteo Patent and Generic History

• November 2002: FDA originally approved brand Forteo (teriparatide) for osteoporosis treatment
• November 16, 2023: First generic teriparatide approved (Apotex)
• November 17, 2023: Teva Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for generic teriparatide injection

These approvals came after Eli Lilly’s patents on Forteo expired. Since then, generic teriparatide has become available at pharmacies across the United States, providing patients with more options for their osteoporosis treatment.

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Generic Forteo vs Brand Forteo: Is It the Same?

Yes, generic teriparatide is therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Forteo.

The FDA requires generic medications to be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug. This means generic teriparatide:

What’s the Same:

• Contains the same active ingredient (teriparatide)
• Uses the same strength (20 mcg per dose)
• Works the same way in your body
• Has the same FDA-approved uses for osteoporosis
• Follows the same dosing schedule (once daily injection)
• Has the same 2-year maximum treatment duration
• Requires the same storage conditions (refrigeration)

What May Be Different:

• The injection pen device design and appearance
• Inactive ingredients (fillers, preservatives)
• Manufacturer and packaging

Some patients notice the generic pen feels different or takes getting used to when switching, but this doesn’t affect the medication’s effectiveness. Both brand and generic teriparatide deliver the same therapeutic benefit for building bone density.

Who Makes Generic Teriparatide?

Currently, the following pharmaceutical companies manufacture FDA-approved generic teriparatide:

Generic Teriparatide Manufacturers:

• Teva Pharmaceuticals – Approved November 2023; uses the Antares Pharma multi-dose pen device
• Apotex (Ambio) – Approved November 2023

Your pharmacy will typically dispense whichever generic manufacturer they have in stock. All FDA-approved generic versions are therapeutically equivalent to brand Forteo, so you can expect the same effectiveness regardless of which manufacturer’s product you receive.

Teva’s generic teriparatide uses the Antares Pharma pen device through an exclusive licensing agreement. This device may look different from the brand Forteo pen, but it delivers the same medication in the same dose.

Should You Switch From Forteo to Generic Teriparatide?

Switching from brand-name Forteo to generic teriparatide is generally straightforward since they contain the same active ingredient. However, there are several factors to consider before making the switch.

Reasons to Consider Switching:

• Your insurance may prefer or require the generic version
• Generic options may reduce your out-of-pocket costs depending on coverage
• You’ll receive the same therapeutic effect as brand-name Forteo
• No dosage adjustment is needed when switching

Things to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• The injection pen device is different—you may need guidance on using the new device
• Your insurance may require prior authorization for the switch
• Some patients prefer staying with a medication they know works for them

If you’re interested in switching, talk to your healthcare provider first. Then, contact QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy to understand your coverage options and find the most affordable path forward.

Copay Assistance for Forteo and Generic Teriparatide

Whether you’re taking brand-name Forteo or generic teriparatide, financial assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Specialty medications for osteoporosis can create significant expenses, but various programs exist to help.

Types of Assistance That May Be Available:

• Manufacturer savings programs – May offer support for eligible patients
• Foundation assistance programs – Nonprofit organizations that help with medication costs
• Patient assistance programs – For qualifying patients who meet certain criteria
• Pharmacy support services – QuickRx helps identify and enroll patients in available programs

The specific programs you may qualify for depend on your insurance coverage and individual circumstances. Because eligibility requirements vary, it’s important to work with a specialty pharmacy that understands the landscape and can guide you to the right resources.

Important: Manufacturer copay cards for brand Forteo typically do not apply to generic teriparatide prescriptions. However, other assistance options may be available for generic medications—contact QuickRx to explore your options.

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How QuickRx Helps You Access Forteo or Teriparatide

At QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy, we help patients navigate the complex landscape of brand vs. generic options and copay assistance programs. Our experienced team understands the challenges of affording specialty osteoporosis medications.

Our Team Will:

• Review your insurance coverage and medication options
• Identify assistance programs you may qualify for
• Handle enrollment paperwork and coordination on your behalf
• Arrange convenient home delivery of your medication
• Monitor your ongoing refills to ensure no gaps in treatment

Getting started is easy: Call us at (917) 830-2525 or toll-free at (800) 496-6111, or fill out our online form. A pharmacy liaison will personally review your situation within one business day.

Learn more about our Forteo copay assistance services and how we can help make your osteoporosis treatment more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Forteo

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approved Drug Products. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/. Accessed December 2025.
2. Drugs.com. Generic Forteo Availability. https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-forteo.html. Accessed December 2025.
3. Teva Pharmaceuticals. Teva Announces Approval of Generic Forteo. November 2023.
4. Eli Lilly and Company. Forteo Prescribing Information.