Strontium Ranelate

Strontium Ranelate is a non-hormonal medicine used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Strontium Ranelate reduces the risk of fracture at the spine and at the hip

About osteoporosis: Your body is constantly breaking down old bone and making new bone tissue. If you have osteoporosis, your body breaks down more bone than it forms so that gradually bone loss occurs and your bones become thinner and fragile. This is especially common in women after the menopause (change of life). Many people with osteoporosis have no symptoms and you may not even know that you have it. However, osteoporosis makes you more likely to have fractures (break bones), especially in your spine, hips and wrists.

Strontium Ranelate works by reducing bone breakdown and stimulating rebuilding of bone and therefore reduces the risk of fracture. The newly formed bone is of normal quality.

The recommended dose is one 2 gm sachet a day. Strontium should always be taken as per the advice of the doctor. Please check with your doctor in case of any confusion. Strontium is for oral use.

Administration

It is recommended that you take Strontium at bedtime. You may lie down immediately after taking Strontium if you wish. Take the granules contained in the sachets as a suspension in a glass of water (see instructions below). Strontium can interact with milk and milk products, so it is important that you mix Strontium only with water to be sure it works properly

Drink straight away. If for some reason you do not drink the medicine straight away, make sure you stir it again before drinking. You should not leave it more than 24 hours before you drink it. Your doctor may advise you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements in addition to Strontium. Do not take calcium supplements at bedtime, at the same time as Strontium. Your doctor will tell you how long you should continue to take Strontium. Osteoporosis therapy is usually required for a long period. It is important that you continue taking Strontium

If you forget to take Strontium: Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses. Just carry on with the next dose at the normal time.

Taking other medicines: Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. If you are taking medicines containing calcium, you should leave at least 2 hours before you take Strontium Ranelate . If you take antacids (medicines to relieve heartburn) you should take them at least 2 hours after Strontium Ranelate . If this is not possible, it is acceptable to take the two medicines at the same time. You should stop taking Strontium Ranelate if you have to take oral tetracyclines or quinolones (two types of antibiotics). You can take Strontium Ranelate again when you have finished taking these antibiotics. If you are unsure about this ask your doctor.

Taking Strontium Ranelate with food and drink: Food, milk and milk products reduce the absorption of strontium ranelate. It is recommended that you take Strontium Ranelate in-between meals, preferably at bedtime at least two hours after food, milk or milk products or calcium supplements.

Strontium Ranelate is not intended for use in children and adolescents. During treatment, if you experience an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, skin rash), you must stop taking Strontium Ranelate and seek medical advice immediately. If you have stopped treatment due to hypersensitivity reactions you should not re-start therapy with Strontium Ranelate.

Like all medicines, Strontium can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, headache and skin irritation. However,these effects were mild and short-lived and usually did not cause the patients to stop taking their treatment. Other events less commonly reported included blood clots, fainting fit, memory troubles and, in rare cases, seizures. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor.

Pregnancy: Strontium Ranelate is meant for use only in postmenopausal women. Therefore, this should not be taken during pregnancy. If you take it by accident during pregnancy, stop taking it straight away and talk to your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Strontium Ranelate is meant for use only in postmenopausal women. Therefore, breast-feeding women should not take this medicine. If you take it by accident during breast- feeding, stop taking it straight away and talk to your doctor.

Before taking Strontium Ranelate talk to your doctor:

• if you have severe kidney disease.
• if you are being treated or have been treated for blood clots.
• if you are confined to bed or if you are to undergo an operation. The risk of vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg) may be increased in the event of lengthy immobilization.
• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to strontium ranelate.

Strontium Ranelate is not intended for use in children and adolescents. During treatment, if you experience an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, skin rash), you must stop taking Strontium Ranelate and seek medical advice immediately. If you have stopped treatment due to hypersensitivity reactions you should not re-start therapy with Strontium Ranelate.

If you take too many sachets of Strontium Ranelate, tell your doctor. They may advise you to drink milk or take antacids to reduce the absorption of the active ingredient.

Inhibiting bone resorption.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Store at a cool and dry place, away from light.