Some questions.....about osteoporosis and strontium

Hello everyone,

Its been a while since I've posted.  As well as having thalassaemia, I have osteoporosis to boot!

I recently saw an endrochrine specialist and they suggested that the option of strontium to strengthen my bones. Has anyone heard of this drug ? And been treated with it?

Many thanks,


Nick

PS Are there many UK members on this site, it would be nice to here from them.

Hi Nick,

The use of strontium as a treatment for osteoporosis is relatively new, and from trial results, quite effective with minimal side effects. Side effects have been a problem with the biophosphonate drugs that are normally used for osteo, so the lower incidence of side effects and their severity are a welcome change. Strontium ranelate is called PROTELOS and is available under the following brand names: BIVALOS, OSSEOR, OSSUM, PROTAXOS, PROTOS. It is available in the UK and many other countries but has not yet been submitted to the US FDA for approval.

http://www.servier.com/Pro/Osteoporosis/Protelos/Protelos.aspx?id=793

PROTELOS is the first antiosteoporotic treatment to simultaneously increase bone formation and decrease bone resorption. This rebalances bone turnover in favor of the formation of new and strong bones and provides early and sustained antifracture efficacy.1-4

Results from phase III clinical development have shown that PROTELOS is effective at all major osteoporotic sites, including the vertebrae and hip. PROTELOS is also effective regardless of the severity of the patient's disease, whether they have osteoporosis or osteopenia and whether or not they have a previous fracture. PROTELOS is the first antiosteoporotic agent to show conclusive efficacy at both vertebral and peripheral levels in patients 80 years of age and over.

As far as I know, no studies have been done regarding use of strontium with thalassemia patients. I also, would like to hear from any patients who have used it. Strontium does appear to be a worthwhile addition to the drugs available for osteo and I think it is well worth trying before moving to the biophosphonate drugs (although the fourth generation drug, zoledronic acid, is also very effective and side effects are found to be much less than with the earlier generation drugs). Also, if you aren't already, you should be taking vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. Vitamin D is necessary for many functions in the body and its importance in thalassemia is now being stressed.

Andy,

Many thanks for answering my question.

Nick

Interesting read, I was put on Strontium, also named Protelos a few years back, but I didn't really take the medicine as often as I should have   It's a powder in a little paper sachet that you mix with water and drink - not pleasant actually, which is why I didn't really follow through with the medication as I should have.

Now, being put on some other tablet, but apparently it's really hard to find - manufacturing problems I think.  Only been put on this new medicine since Easter time.

I have alpha-Thalassemia (not so silent carrier) and severe osteoporosis (diagnosed at 35).  I believe that my osteoporosis is primarily because of undiagnosed celiac disease. 

I have always said no to medications.  I am now 47, and my bones are stronger.  I credit raw milk and getting off of gluten.  Strontium was suggested to me.  However, Strontium is a vitamin K-agonist, which can cause hemolysis.  So I have not done so.

Thanks for the feedback, paisleyhill. It's a shame that raw milk is so hard to get in the US. I always prefer a natural approach to health problems and it's good to hear that a change in diet has had a positive effect on your bones. Since the only universal recommendation for alpha thal is folic acid and avoidance of hemolysis causing chemicals, it's very helpful to hear some feedback on something that is actually making a difference. I have recently heard from a beta major who stopped gluten. She also said it has made a big difference in how she feels.