Thank you for your post asking for more information about whether you can take your strontium ranelate (Protelos) first thing in the morning.

The important thing to remember in this situation is that strontium ranelate is slowly absorbed and food products inhibit this process. During the research trials for this treatment the participants were given the option of either taking it at bedtime (two hours after food), or during the day within a four hour period of not eating. The general feeling was that people preferred to take it at bedtime hence the instructions that are given in the patient information leaflet.

There is no reason why you can not take it at a different time of day if this suits you better. Some people eat late at night hence it is hard to wait for two hours before going to bed and therefore choose to take it mid morning for example. Another option is that if you regularly get up in the night to go to the bathroom you could take it then. Either way would be fine as long as you do not eat for two hours before and after you take it (four hours in total).

I hope this helps, but please remember to stick to similar timings everyday to ensure you get into a regular pattern when taking this treatment.


Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society