SulfasalazineWhy are you taking it?
Sulfasalazine acts by damping down inflammation in the joints. It has no direct pain relieving effect so you need to continue your other arthritis tablets at least for some time. The tablets may take up to three months to have full effect. If the treatment suits you can stay on it for several years if necessary.
How and when is it to be taken?
Swallow the tablet whole with some water after food. Do not crush or chew it. The number of tablets may change from a low dose at the beginning of treatment and increase gradually to the required dose which will usually be four tablets daily. Missing an occasional tablet will do no harm. You can continue to drink alcohol in moderation while taking the tablets if you wish.
Are there any side effects, and what are they?
All tablets have side-effects in some people so it is a question of balancing the risk of side-effects against the potential benefits of the treatment. Side-effects which can be due to Sulfasalazine are:
- Headache or nausea, which usually improves as you get used to the tablets.
- Your urine may become orange-yellow in colour. This is harmless.
- Occasionally rashes and increased sensitivity to the sun may occur.
- The blood and liver can sometimes be affected. This is why you have regular blood tests, to see if there are problems before they cause you any symptoms. If there were problems, stopping the tablets normally resolves them.
- If you wear contact lenses, please inform the doctor before starting the treatment.
- It may cause reduced fertility in men, which reverses when the tablets are stopped.
- As with all drugs it is important to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this treatment.
Why is careful monitoring so important?
Monitoring of the effects of your new treatment is important, particularly during the first three months of treatment. To do this we need to check your blood tests regularly. The monitoring is for your safety.
If you are unable to attend, please telephone for another appointment.
If you have any questions, queries or worries about your treatment, please contact the local rheumatology nurse.