Skip to main content

Can Tymlos cause bone cancer?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 8, 2023.

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Some animal studies have found that Tymlos is associated with an increase in the risk of osteosarcoma (a type of cancerous bone tumor). It is not known if this increased risk translates to humans; however, authorities have warned that Tymlos should not be given to people already at increased risk of osteosarcoma, including those with Paget's disease of the bone, pre-existing bone malignancies, prior radiation therapy, or hereditary disorders that increase their risk of osteosarcoma.

Tymlos (abaloparatide), approved in April 2017, is a man-made version of a protein related to human parathyroid hormone. It may be considered in postmenopausal women who have tried and not responded to, or been intolerant of, other medications for osteoporosis. It may also be used to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, or in people unresponsive to or intolerant of other available osteoporosis treatment. Tymlos significantly reduces the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.

Tymlos is given by self-injection just under the skin and is available as single-use prefilled pens.

Read next

What is the strongest chemotherapy drug for breast cancer?

Doxorubicin is considered one of the strongest chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers, not just breast cancer. Doxorubicin is also known as “The Red Devil” because it is a clear bright red color. It can cause your urine or other body fluids to turn a reddish color for 1 to 2 days after a dose is given, which is normal and temporary. Continue reading

Is small cell or non-small cell lung cancer worse?

Generally, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10-15% of people who have lung cancer and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. SCLC usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi), and although the cells are small, they grow very quickly and create large tumors. Early on in the course of the disease, there are rarely any symptoms. If caught early (limited-stage disease) 20-25% of people can be potentially cured. Extensive SCLC is more difficult to treat. Continue reading

Is non-small cell lung cancer hereditary?

A hereditary family history of lung cancer is one of the many risk factors for developing non-small cell lung cancer. About 8% of lung cancers are thought to be inherited or linked to gene changes, but smoking and air pollution remain the primary causes of lung cancer. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups