Skip to main content
RxCopaysGet started

Affordability Check

How to afford Forteo

Generic name: Teriparatide

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Forteo — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

Pick an option above to see your specific path.

Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.

About Forteo and its cost

What is this medication? Forteo is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for bone fractures. It contains the active ingredient teriparatide, which is a man-made version of the naturally occurring parathyroid hormone found in the human body. While many other osteoporosis drugs work by slowing down the process of bone thinning, this medication is unique because it primarily works by stimulating the body to build new bone tissue. This process helps to increase bone mass and strengthen the skeletal structure, making it less likely for a patient to experience a break.

This medication is also prescribed for people who are taking glucocorticoid medicines, such as prednisone, for long periods, as these drugs can lead to significant bone loss. It is generally reserved for individuals who have already broken a bone due to osteoporosis or those who cannot tolerate or do not respond to other bone-strengthening treatments. Because of its specific mechanism of action, medical guidelines often suggest that the use of this drug should be limited to a total of two years over a patient's lifetime. It is administered through a pre-filled pen as a daily injection under the skin.

Forteo is made by Eli Lilly. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.

Common questions

What's the cheapest way to afford Forteo?

It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.

Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Forteo?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Eli Lilly has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Forteo?

Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.

How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?

Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.

What if I have a high-deductible plan?

For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.

Are there charity grants for Osteoporosis?

Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.

More about Forteo