The International Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 75 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones become porous, brittle and susceptible to fractures. There are a number of medications available to reduce loss of bone density caused by osteoporosis. One such drug is Protelos, or strontium ranelate, which is available for women in the United Kingdom and other European countries. Despite its effectiveness, Protelos is not for everyone, as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.
Common Side Effects
Approximately 6.5 percent of Protelos users report nausea and diarrhea, making these the most common side effects of the drug. Headache and skin rashes also common, occurring in at least 2 percent of users. More than 1 percent of women who take Protelos experience loose stools, eczema and hives.
Other Side Effects
Protelos also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects include vomiting, stomach pain, moth ulcers and inflammation of the gums. Some patients experience generalized itching or swelling of the face while taking Protelos. These side effects are extremely rare and occur in fewer than 1 out of every 10,000 patients.
Allergic Reactions
Anaphylactic reactions occur in some patients, causing rapid pulse, wheezing, difficulty breathing and even coma. Another possible reaction is angioedema, a hypersensitivity that causes large welts to form on your skin and frequently results in difficulty swallowing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction at any point while using Protelos, seek prompt emergency medical care.
