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Strontium Ranelate Treatment

Strontium ranelate is a medication given as treatment for osteoporosis---or, low bone mineral density---and its symptoms. Known primarily by its brand name, Protelos, strontium ranelate is prescribed to postmenopausal women. Protelos is considered an alternative treatment option for patients who do not respond to alendronate and either risedronate or etidronate. Your doctor may prescribe strontium ranelate if your severe osteoporosis symptoms persist despite sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake.

  1. Benefits and Usage

    • Strontium ranelate is a preventative treatment for postmenopausal patients at risk for fragility fractures due to osteoporosis. It helps to increase bone formation and stimulates the replication of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone tissue development and repair. Strontium ranelate is a doubly effective osteoporosis treatment in that it also reduces bone resorption by slowing down osteoclasts, the cells that systemically deconstruct bone tissue. Strontium ranelate can effectively restores bone tissue by virtue of this rebalance.

      Because osteoporosis is a chronic condition, strontium ranelate is naturally intended for long-term use.

    Usage Instructions

    • Strontium ranelate is to be administered orally once daily. Mix 2 g of strontium ranelate crystals into a glass of water and drink it immediately. While strorntium ranelate remains stable in suspension for up to 24 hours, immediate use is still recommended. Drink your suspension at least two hours after your last meal and at least two hours before your next meal.

    Warnings

    • Do not use strontium ranelate within at least two hours before of after eating. Food, milk products and products containing calcium decrease strontium ranelate's effectiveness. According to Protelos' Summary of Product Characteristics, all such products reduce the bioavailability of strontium ranelate by approximately 60 to 70 percent.

      Because strontium excretes into Protelos users' milk, it is not recommended for women of childbearing age. Do not use strontium ranelate if you are an osteoporosis patient of childbearing age and intend to breastfeed.

      While strontium ranelate is a prescribed osteoporosis treatment in over 140 countries worldwide, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved it for use in the United States as of July 2008.

      You may not discontinue strontium ranelate use and resume using the treatment later.

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