Severe exfoliative dermatitis caused by strontium ranelate: two cases of a new drug reaction

• Published in: Age and Ageing Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 401 - 403
• Main Authors: Smith, Emma V., Shipley, Debbie R. V.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 01-05-2010
• Subjects: anti-osteoporotic; drug reaction; elderly; exfoliative dermatitis; osteoporosis; rash; strontium ranelate
• ISSN: 0002-0729; 1468-2834
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afq026

Strontium ranelate is a relatively new drug used as a second-line treatment for osteoporosis, often targeted at older patients. It is known to cause skin rash and rarely drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, but there are no reports of exfoliative dermatitis as a reaction in the literature. We present the first two cases of this adverse effect of the drug, combined with eosinophilia but no systemic symptoms. We illustrate the significant morbidity involved and use of systemic steroid treatment required, highlighting the need for awareness of this reaction in medical and particularly in elderly care communities.