Sulfasalazine

SULFASALAZINE - ORAL (sull-fuh-SAL-uh-zeen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Azulfidine

WARNING: Rarely, this medication can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. Stop using this drug and notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain.

USES: Sulfasalazine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; or stomach pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for inflammatory bowel disease; or stomach pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea caused by Crohn's disease; back pain/inflammation (ankylosing spondylitis); and may be used for other purposes as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this with a full glass of water, with food or after meals to prevent stomach upset. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid daily unless otherwise directed. The coated tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them. The coating helps to prevent stomach upset. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before measuring each dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, dizziness or trouble sleeping during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. May cause urine to be orange-brown in color. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. This medication increases sensitivity to sunlight. Notify your doctor if your condition worsens or you develop a sore throat, yellowing of the eyes or skin, easy bruising or a skin rash. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including that of liver or kidney diseases, blood disorders and of any drug allergies. This medicine may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen when outdoors. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have an effect on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of warfarin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, certain oral drugs used for diabetes (sulfonylureas), phenytoin, oral PABA, aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (NSAIDs), digoxin and folic acid. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, and seizures.

NOTES: It is recommended to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water or other liquids each day while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If this medication does not appear to improve your condition after one month, inform your doctor. It may be necessary to change medications.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep from freezing.