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Strontium ranelate

  • Disperse contents of a 2 g sachet in a glass of water and take on an empty stomach once daily.
  • Ideally, take at bedtime, at least 2 hours after eating.
  • Make sure your calcium and vitamin D intake is adequate.
  • Do not take calcium-containing products, milk or antacids at the same time as Strontium Ranelate or for 2 hours after.
  • You will probably be called for a bone density scan after a year of starting treatment.
  • Stop taking strontium ranelate immediately if a rash occurs and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

About strontium ranelate

Type of medicine Medicine that strengthens bones
Used for Osteoporosis (weak bones)
Also called Protelos
Available as Granules

Strontium ranelate works by binding very tightly to bone and preventing calcium being removed. Strontium ranelate also stimulates the formation of new bone. Both actions help to keep the bones strong and less likely to break.

Before taking strontium ranelate

Before taking strontium ranelate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from phenylketonuria (unable to break down phenylalanine).
  • If you have a family history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins).

How to take strontium ranelate

  • Disperse contents of a 2 g sachet in a glass of water and take on an empty stomach once daily.
  • Ideally, take at bedtime, at least 2 hours after eating.
  • Do not take calcium-containing products, milk or antacids at the same time as strontium ranelate or for 2 hours afterwards.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Make sure your calcium and vitamin D intake is adequate.
  • Your doctor may want to check your kidney function from time to time.
  • You will probably be called for a bone density scan after a year of starting treatment.

Can strontium ranelate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Eczema Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this becomes troublesome.

Important: Stop taking strontium ranelate immediately if a rash occurs and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store strontium ranelate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
4160		 DocRef:
dils3920		 Last Updated:
20 Feb 2008		 Date of Next Review:
19 Feb 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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