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.
Risks
Protelos also has the potential to cause serious medical complications. One serious side effect of the drug is the formation of blood clots, which occurs in approximately 2 percent of users. There is also a risk of experiencing a stroke or embolism while taking Protelos. Some patients report severe neurological side effects while using the medication, including memory loss, seizures and fainting.
Considerations
Protelos can cause low birth weights and is typically avoided during pregnancy. In addition, the drug is not used in children under the age of 18. If you suffer from a history of decreased kidney function, blood clots or certain blood disorders like antiphospholipid syndrome, your doctor is not likely to prescribe Protelos for you.
It is important to fully dissolve Protelos in water before taking it in order to reduce your risk of gastrointestinal side effects. If you require surgery, your doctor will most likely recommend discontinuing Protelos use during recovery to reduce your risk of developing serious blood clots.
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