Pregnancy RA and Sulfasalazine

[Marz21]

Has anyone been through a pregnancy while taking sulfasalazine? My rheumy said its not a problem for pregnancy, and better to keep the RA at bay when trying to get pregnant, any other thoughts?

[Scottishlad]

I cannot give direct comments as you may realise I am not able get pregnant as I am male.

Most other RA drugs can't be taken if you want get pregnant. Sulphasalazine has been around for a long time. If there were any problems with with pregnancy it should be well known by now.

I would think it is better to keep your RA controlled while your body goes through the changes caused by pregnancy.

I hope that some of the ladies are able to give you more appropriate advice.

Cecil

[flippertyjibbit]

Hi Marz2, yes I did 3.5 yrs ago, I cut down from my normal 6 a day to I think 3/4(?) can't quite remember now, and also continued on a lowish dose of prednisolone. They assured me it was the safest option. I did have some small flares and had some joint injections and wore splints during pregnancy to keep me going. I was lucky that it did seem to go into a 'mild remission' for the pregnancy but came back (as warned) with a vengance 2 wks after my little boy was born, I managed to breastfeed for about 13 wks but couldn't pick up my baby as hands were so painful, so ended up havinghad an IV infusion of pred over 3 days and have since been put on methotrexate, enbrel, hydroxychloroquine, sulf and pred to manage it. i am now 11 wks pregnant again (over the moon as thought I wouldn't be able to!) and taking 6 sulf and 7.5mg pred, but it is not so manageable this time, (am in agony to be honest) had a depomedrome 3 wks ago which felt fab for about 10 days but has already worn off, so a, seeing them today to see what my options are.

They are right in that it is important top keep the RA under control, as your body won't conceive if it is very active and I believe there is a higher risk of miscarrying also, so go with their advice, they know what they are saying. It is a worrying time trying to manage your own health and not compromising babie's, so I completely understand your concerns. I hope you are feeling well? and would love to hear how you get on...how many weeks/months are you? -such exciting times