Sulfasalazine

About sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine works by an anti-inflammatory (stops swelling) effect on the body. It is useful in reducing the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause inflammation of the intestine, leading to such problems as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Sulfasalazine can be used to control these symptoms and help prevent the disease from flaring up.

Before taking or using sulfasalazine

Before taking or using sulfasalazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from G6PD deficiency (an enzyme deficiency), porphyria or any other blood disorder.
• If you suffer from allergies.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine especially sulphonamides, aspirin or salicylates.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take sulfasalazine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• It is important that you drink plenty of fluids while you are taking sulfasalazine. Make sure you drink the equivalent of 6-8 glasses of water each day.
• If you have been given the enteric coated tablets swallow them whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.

How to use sulfasalazine suppositories

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping.
3. Using your forefinger (index finger) or middle finger, whichever you find easier, gently push the suppository into the rectum (back passage), pointed end first. To insert the suppository it may help to lie on your left side (if you are right-handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left.
4. The suppository should be inserted as far as possible. You may have the urge to pass the suppositories out again, but this should ease after a few minutes.
5. Wash your hands again.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as the enteric coated tablets. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of this medicine.
• This medication may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds. Use a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• Your tears or urine may become a yellow/orange colour - this is normal and harmless.
• Soft contact lenses may also become stained. If you wear soft contact lenses, it is best not to use them while you are being treated with sulfasalazine.
• If you are using sulfasalazine for a long time, it is important to keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. You may need to have blood tests while you are taking or using this medicine.

Can sulfasalazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store sulfasalazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines