Indications
Strontium Ranelate (listed here as Strontium Renalate) is used to treat severe osteoporosis (thinning, fragile bones) in women after the menopause and in adult men at high risk of fractures, when other osteoporosis medicines cannot be used. Because of heart and blood clot risks, it is reserved for people who have no history of heart disease, stroke or blood clots.
How It Works
Strontium Ranelate has a two-way effect on bone: it encourages bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and slows bone-removing cells (osteoclasts). Strontium is also taken into bone in place of some calcium. Together these help increase bone strength and lower the risk of fractures of the spine and hip.
Dosage and Administration
Usual adult dose: 2 g once daily, or as prescribed. Stir the granules from one sachet into a glass of water and drink straight away. Take it at bedtime, at least 2 hours after eating, because food, milk and calcium reduce its absorption. Your doctor may also advise calcium and vitamin D, taken at a different time of day.
Interactions
- Food, milk, dairy products and calcium supplements reduce absorption; separate by at least 2 hours.
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium: take at least 2 hours after strontium.
- Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Ciprofloxacin: strontium should be stopped while these are taken.
- It can interfere with some blood and urine calcium tests.
Contraindications
- Current or past heart disease, heart attack, stroke, poor circulation in the legs, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Current or past blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), or being bedridden.
- Severe kidney disease.
- Allergy to strontium ranelate.
Side Effects
Common: nausea, diarrhoea, headache, skin irritation, memory problems and muscle or joint pain. Serious: blood clots, heart attack, and rare but severe allergic skin reactions (DRESS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), often in the first weeks.
Get urgent medical help for chest pain, pain or swelling in one leg, sudden breathlessness, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking, or a rash with fever, swollen glands or blistering; stop the medicine and do not restart it.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It is intended for women after the menopause and must not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- The doctor should check heart and clot risk before starting and regularly during treatment.
- Stop it if you become immobile for a long time, such as after surgery.
- Use with care in mild to moderate kidney disease.
Overdose
Overdose may cause stomach upset. Drinking milk or taking an antacid may reduce absorption; seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Drug for osteoporosis; bone formation stimulator and resorption inhibitor.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.