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

Abstract

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. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.