Who should not take sulfasalazine?
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, kidney or liver disease, porphyria, blood problems, or blockage in your intestine or urinary tract. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sulfasalazine, call your doctor.
What are the most common side effects of sulfasalazine?
Common side effects — The most common side effects of sulfasalazine are headache, nausea, fever, rash, and reversible infertility in men.
What are the long term effects of taking sulfasalazine?
Dyspepsia, nausea and abdominal discomfort were the most common side-effects, although rashes (3) and macrocytosis (2) also occurred. Eighteen of the 21 patients treated with penicillamine improved during 9 months, although there was some deterioration at 1 year.
Will sulfasalazine side effects go away?
Some side effects of sulfasalazine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Does sulfasalazine lower your immune system?
This results in pain, swelling and tenderness and eventually permanent damage. Sulfasalazine works to suppress the over activity of the immune system and prevent the inflammation from occurring, reducing the long-term risk of permanent joint damage.
What is an alternative to sulfasalazine?
Sulfasalazine can be effective, but newer drugs are available. Mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa): This drug reduces inflammation during acute flare ups and helps prevent recurrences. It generally has fewer side effects than sulfasalazine.
Is weight gain a side effect of sulfasalazine?
severe nausea or vomiting when you first start taking sulfasalazine; little or no urination, urine that looks foamy; puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain; or. liver problems –loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Whats safer methotrexate or sulfasalazine?
Methotrexate outperforms sulfasalazine as a first-line conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) with regard to monotherapy drug retention in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment, according to study results published in Rheumatology.
How can I boost my immune system with rheumatoid arthritis?
Go Green. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are great immune-boosting foods and should be on your healthy RA menu frequently, if not daily, Larson says. Here’s why: They contain high levels of the vitamins C, K, and folate, which are all good immune system boosters.
Possible side effects of sulfasalazine include loss of appetite, vomiting, facial swelling or a rash, and fever and jaundice due to liver effects. With long-term use, sulfasalazine can lead to dry eye due to development of a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca .
How to stop taking sulfasalazine?
Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew them. Drink plenty of fluids (at least six to eight glasses of water or other beverage per day) while taking sulfasalazine. Continue to take sulfasalazine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sulfasalazine without talking to your doctor.
Can you stop taking sulfasalazine?
It is safe to just stop sulfasalazine; you do not need to slowly reduce the dose. However, keep in mind, if you were gaining any benefit, it will usually take at least 6 weeks to lose it. For more information about Sulfasalazine, or for questions that are specific to your situation, always consult your physician.
Does sulfasalazine lower immune system?
Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is not completely understood how it works. It is thought to affect your immune system and decrease inflammation.