Expert Advice :
Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach. It may take 6-8 weeks for Sulfasalazine to work. Keep taking it as prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Sulfasalazine in order to avoid kidney problems such as kidney stones. It may cause a deficiency of folic acid. Take the supplements as suggested by the doctor. Do not take Sulfasalazine if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin. It may discolour your skin, urine, saliva and tears an orange/yellow colour. This is normal and not harmful. Regular blood tests to monitor your liver function, kidney function, and the levels of your blood components are required while taking this medicine. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects :
Headache, Nausea, Oligospermia (low sperm count), Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Decreased white blood cell count, Dizziness, Fever, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Itching, Joint pain, Photosensitivity, Protein in urine, Rash, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Taste change, Dyspepsia
How it works :
Sulfasalazine is a Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drug (DMARD). It works by suppressing the overactivity of the immune system in autoimmune diseases and blocks the chemical messengers that cause inflammation (swelling).
Uses / Indications :
Sulfasalazine is used in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis.
