Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Teriparatide (Forteo) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 20mcg/day Pen (30-day supply) | $1,500 – $3,500 | $30 – $400 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Specialty Tier 5; prior auth required; usually after bisphosphonate failure
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Forteo costs $1,500 to $3,500 per month without insurance. Manufacturer savings cards can reduce the copay to as low as $30.
Forteo is limited to 2 years of use due to a theoretical risk of bone cancer seen in animal studies at high doses.
Forteo is the only osteoporosis treatment that builds new bone (anabolic), rather than just slowing bone loss like bisphosphonates.