Strontium Ranelate is used to strengthen thin and weak bones in people who have or are at risk of osteoporosis. It helps to stop the loss of bone and also helps to increase bone mass. This helps to reduce the risk of getting a fracture.
Take Strontium Ranelate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Strontium Ranelate on an empty stomach at bedtime, at least 2 hours after your dinner.
Do not take Strontium Ranelate at the same time with milk, milk products (such as cheese, yoghurt) or any other drink or food besides plain water. Do not take it at the same time as any other medication.
Strontium Ranelate comes as a sachet of granules. Empty the contents of the sachet into a glass. Add at least 30ml of plain water. Stir to disperse the granules evenly in the water. Drink the solution immediately. If you could not drink it immediately, ensure that you stir it thoroughly again before drinking. In any case, do not leave the solution for more than 24 hours. If more than 24 hours have passed, you will need to make a fresh solution with a new sachet.
Strontium Ranelate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Strontium Ranelate even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have:
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- severe kidney disease
- history of blood clots or if you are currently being treated for blood clots
as Strontium Ranelate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (an inherited disorder where your body is not able to break down the amino acid phenylalanine). The orally disintegrating granules contain aspartame which is a source of phenylalanine.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, always inform your doctor, surgeon or dentist that you are taking Strontium Ranelate. Let your doctor know if you are going for any operations which may require you to have a prolonged period of bed rest.
Strontium Ranelate may affect the results of certain laboratory tests. Inform your doctor that you are taking Strontium Ranelate if you are going for any blood or urine tests.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Strontium Ranelate. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Stop taking Strontium Ranelate and alert your doctor immediately if you develop:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- pain or swelling in the legs (especially the lower legs)
- difficulty breathing
Other side effects of Strontium Ranelate include any of the following: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, mouth ulcers, headache, skin irritation, memory loss and fainting.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking tetracycline antibiotics e.g. doxycycline or quinolone antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin.
Make sure that you complete the full course of antibiotics before starting on Strontium Ranelate.
You should wait for at least 2 hours after taking Strontium Ranelate before taking any other medicines or supplements e.g. antacids, calcium supplements or multivitamins.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep the sachets sealed until it is time to take your medicine.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.