Osteoporosis treatment discontinued

Protelos (strontium ranelate) has been withdrawn worldwide for commercial reasons.

The drug was licensed to treat severe osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and adult men at high risk of fracture for whom other osteoporosis treatments were unsuitable (eg, because of contraindications or intolerance).

The manufacturer of Protelos, Servier, decided to withdraw the drug after its indications were restricted over cardiovascular concerns and the number of patients treated with the drug declined.

Servier has been liaising with the relevant patient and professional organisations, such as the National Osteoporosis Society, the British Society of Rheumatology and the Primary Care Rheumatology Society, to make them aware of the discontinuation.

GPs are advised to identify and review any patients who are currently prescribed strontium ranelate and discuss alternative treatment options with them.