Teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone ) is an anabolic agent approved for the treatment of patients at high risk for fracture. The Fracture Prevention Trial administered teriparatide to treatment-naïve patients, leading to its US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2002. Clinical trial data using antiresorptive agents administered before, during, and after any parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy, as well as alternative PTH dosing, have provided additional insight yet raise fundamental questions about the most appropriate use of teriparatide. This article provides an update on teriparatide, focusing on its mechanism of action compared with other antiresorptive agents, indications, adverse effects, therapy duration, combination therapy, contraindications, and cost effectiveness.