Sulfasalazine

Uses

Sulfasalazine is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, Wilson's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How it Works

How Sulfasalazine works Sulfasalazine is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It functions by suppressing the overactivity of the immune system in autoimmune diseases and blocking the chemical messengers that lead to inflammation.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Sulfasalazine include headache, nausea, oligospermia (low sperm count), vomiting, decreased appetite, decreased white blood cell count, dizziness, fever, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), itching, joint pain, photosensitivity, protein in urine, rash, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), taste changes, and dyspepsia.

Expert Advice

Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
It may take 6-8 weeks for Sulfasalazine to become effective.
Continue taking it as prescribed.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking Sulfasalazine to prevent kidney issues, such as kidney stones.
It may cause a deficiency in folic acid; take supplements as recommended by your doctor.
Do not take Sulfasalazine if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin.
It may cause discoloration of your skin, urine, saliva, and tears to an orange/yellow color; this is normal and not harmful.
Regular blood tests are required to monitor your liver function, kidney function, and blood component levels while taking this medication.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.

Other Combinations

Frequently asked questions

Can Sulfasalazine affect my fertility?

Some males may experience decreased sperm count and infertility, which may resolve after discontinuing Sulfasalazine.

Is Sulfasalazine a steroid or a painkiller?

Sulfasalazine is neither a steroid nor a painkiller; it is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

For how long do I need to take Sulfasalazine?

Continue taking Sulfasalazine as long as you tolerate it and your disease remains in remission, following your doctor's prescribed duration.

What is Sulfasalazine and what is it used for?

Sulfasalazine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug used to treat bowel inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as to prevent joint damage and reduce swelling and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.

Can I take azathioprine along with Sulfasalazine?

It is advisable to avoid combining Sulfasalazine with azathioprine due to the risk of decreased blood cell count, which can be serious.

Do I need to get any blood tests done while on Sulfasalazine therapy?

Your doctor will recommend blood tests to monitor blood cell counts, kidney function, liver enzymes, and urine for protein and blood before and during treatment.

Does the use of Sulfasalazine for the treatment of arthritis affect kidney function?

While uncommon, Sulfasalazine may impact kidney function. Ensure your kidney function is normal before starting treatment and consult your doctor if abnormalities arise during treatment.

I have been prescribed Sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis. When can I expect the pain in joints to be better?

Sulfasalazine typically takes 6 to 12 weeks for full effect, with some patients noticing improvement as early as 4 weeks, while others may take up to 3 months. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

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