[Impact of a health safety warning on strontium ranelate utilization].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in the use of strontium ranelate following a health safety warning in November 2007 on the risks of the development of DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) with the use of this medicine. METHOD Monthly strontium ranelate DHD (daily defined doses/1,000 inhabitants/day) were calculated between 2006 and 2008 in a health area of Spain. The data were analyzed graphically and through a multiple regression model. RESULTS Graphical representation showed a long-term rising trend throughout the study period, although growth slowed after the safety warning was issued. The multiple regression model showed that the health warning was statistically significant. CONCLUSION The use of strontium ranelate continues to grow after the issue of the health safety warning, although at a slower pace than previously.