Strontium ranelate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

There is silver level evidence (www.cochranemsk.org) to support the efficacy of strontium ranelate for the reduction of fractures (vertebral and to a lesser extent non-vertebral) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women and an increase in BMD in postmenopausal women with/without osteoporosis. Diarrhea may occur however, adverse events leading to study withdrawal were not significantly increased with taking 2 g of strontium ranelate daily. Potential vascular and neurological side-effects need to be further explored.

Strontium effects on root dentin tubule occlusion and nanomechanical properties

“…Dentin and bone share many characteristics, and substituting strontium for calcium has been reported to aid bone formation [17,53,54] possibly by providing the template for rapid mineralization [44]. It is possible the natural demineralization/remineralization process occurring in the oral environment assists the uptake of strontium for incorporation into the dentin apatite [20] by the same mechanism.…”

Menopause-related osteoporosis

“…Side-eff ects include diarrhoea, as well as potential vascular and nervous system side-eff ects. 18 It should not be used in patients with peripheral vascular or cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension or women at risk of VTE. 13 …”

Charcot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy

“…Another potential intervention is strontium ranelate that is successfully used in the treatment of osteoporosis [15][16][17]. This drug has a direct inhibitive action on both osteoclast activity and differentiation.…”