What Is Tymlos? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Tymlos or is considering it for osteoporosis, you probably have a lot of questions. What exactly is Tymlos? Who is it for? How do you use the injection pen? What kind of results can you expect?

This guide covers everything you need to know about Tymlos (abaloparatide) in plain language — including its approved uses, dosage instructions, storage requirements, and what the clinical evidence shows about its effectiveness.

What Is Tymlos?

Tymlos is the brand name for abaloparatide, a prescription injectable medication used to treat osteoporosis in adults at high risk of fracture. Abaloparatide is a synthetic analog of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) — a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that plays a role in bone metabolism.

Unlike most osteoporosis medications, which work by slowing bone breakdown (antiresorptive), Tymlos is an anabolic agent — it actively stimulates the formation of new bone, increasing bone mineral density and strengthening bones to prevent fractures.

Tymlos was developed by Radius Health (now part of Ipsen) and first approved by the FDA in April 2017.

Who Is Tymlos Approved For?

The FDA has approved Tymlos for:

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture (approved April 2017)

Men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture (approved January 2023, based on the ATOM trial)

Patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapies

'High risk for fracture' is defined as having a history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple risk factors for fracture, or a T-score ≤ -2.5 on a bone density scan (DXA). Tymlos is typically reserved for patients who are at the highest levels of fracture risk — not for early-stage osteopenia or mild osteoporosis.

Tymlos Dosage and How to Take It

Tymlos is given as a once-daily subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection using a prefilled pen device. Here are the key dosing details:

Dose: 80 micrograms (mcg) subcutaneously once daily

Injection site: The periumbilical region of the abdomen (around the belly button)

Pen supply: Each Tymlos pen contains 30 doses (a 30-day supply)

Storage: Refrigerate at 36–46°F before first use. After first use, store at room temperature (68–77°F) for up to 30 days. Do not freeze.

Maximum lifetime use: 2 years (24 months) total, cumulative with other PTH analogs like teriparatide

After completing Tymlos, your doctor will typically transition you to an antiresorptive medication (such as alendronate or denosumab) to maintain the bone density gains.

How Effective Is Tymlos?

The clinical evidence for Tymlos is strong. The landmark Phase 3 ACTIVE trial enrolled 2,463 postmenopausal women and compared Tymlos to both placebo and teriparatide over 18 months. Key results:

86% reduction in new vertebral (spinal) fractures vs. placebo

43% reduction in nonvertebral fractures vs. placebo

~9% increase in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine after 18 months

~3% increase at the total hip

Greater hip BMD gains compared to teriparatide, with lower rates of hypercalcemia

In the ATOM trial for men (12 months), lumbar spine BMD increased by 8.5% vs. 1.2% for placebo — a highly significant result that led to the 2023 FDA approval for male osteoporosis.

Supplements to Take with Tymlos

Your doctor may recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D supplements alongside Tymlos if your dietary intake is insufficient. Adequate calcium (1,000–1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day minimum, higher if deficient) support the bone-building process that Tymlos stimulates.

Do not take Tymlos together with other anabolic bone agents (teriparatide or romosozumab), bisphosphonates, or denosumab simultaneously — these combinations are not recommended.

What Is Tymlos Not Approved For?

Tymlos is not approved or recommended for:

Children or young adults with open bone growth plates

Pregnant women or those who plan to become pregnant

Patients with Paget's disease of the bone

Patients with bone metastases or history of skeletal malignancies

Patients with prior radiation therapy involving the skeleton

Patients with existing hypercalcemia or primary hyperparathyroidism

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (unlike teriparatide, which has this indication)

How to Get Tymlos

Because Tymlos is a specialty medication, it requires a prescription and is dispensed through specialty pharmacies. If you have difficulty finding a pharmacy with Tymlos in stock, medfinder can help by calling pharmacies near you to check availability.

Manufacturer savings programs can significantly reduce cost. See our full guide to saving money on Tymlos for details on the savings card, patient assistance program, and GoodRx coupons.