Strontium ranelate in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: results of administration in clinical practice

Strontium ranelate (Bivalos) is a new drug with dual mechanism of action for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) Objective. To assess efficacy and tolerability of bivalos in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in a one year multicentre open study. Material and methods. 60 postmenopausal women (mean age 63,6+5,7 years) with spine OP (mean T-criterion -3,1 ±0,4 SD) received strontium ranelate2 g/day during a year. 5 visits were performed (scrining, inclusion, 3, 6 and 12 months). Markers of bone metabolism were evaluated at inclusion, 3 and 12 months. Densitometry was performed at scrining and after 12 months. At all visits pain in spine was assessed with a 5 point scale and adverse events were recorded. Results. BMD increase in lumbar spine was +4,68%, in femur neck - +2% and in general femur value — +3,1% after 12 months of treatment (p<0,01) in comparison with baseline level. Among pt completed the treatment BMD increase in spine above 2% was achieved in 78% of pt. In 41% from them it exceed 6%. BMD increase in femur neck above 2% was achieved in 41% and in general femur value — in 67% of pts. 11% of pts showed deterioration in studied skeleton regions and did not respond to the therapy. During the treatment osteogenesis marker increased by 19,6% and bone resorption marker decreased by 16,7%. Adverse events related to strontium ranelate administration appeared in 9 (15%) pts including diarrhea, leg spasms, myalgia, shortness of breath and dry cough, nausea, gastric ulcer exacerbation. The drug was withdrawn due to adverse eventsin only 3 (5%).