A patient who takes teriparatide (Forteo) administers it subcutaneously with a prefilled pen injector. The patient asks why she must use a new pen every 28 days when there are doses left in the syringe. Which is the correct response by the nurse?
a. "Go ahead and use the remaining drug; I know it is so expensive."
b. "The drug may not be stable after 28 days."
c. "You are probably not giving the drug accurately."
d. "You should be giving the drug more frequently.
ANS: B
Teriparatide is supplied in 3-mL injectors. The pen should be stored in the refrigerator and discarded after 28 days, even if some drug remains in the syringe. Although the drug is expensive, it is not correct to use what is in the syringe after 28 days. Drug may be left in the syringe even with correct dosing.
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