Ra sufferer

[Rocky07]

Hi everyone again I would just like to know on the list of possible side effects of sulphasalisine direahea nausea and stomach cramps I know this is only possible I believe sulphasalisine is reasonably tolerable but has anyone experienced these side effects

[oldtimer]

quote from page on side effects "Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 33%), vomiting (up to 33%), gastric distress (about 33%), dyspepsia (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomatitis.

Best place to look things up is often the NRAS website or Arthritis Research.

Unfortunately, lots of the drugs we take upset our stomachs. We have to weigh up the advantages against the disadvantages for ourselves. I get quite a lot of stomach cramps with my present regime and the diarrhoea is controlled by the codeine I take for the pain.

[KayEP]

Sulphasalazine was the first DMARD that I was prescribed many years ago. Took it for years, never had a problem with it until it stopped working and was then put on another DMARD, I have now been on 'Biologicals' for years which come with their own side effects. You really shouldn't think too hard about the side effects - you may tolerate the medication very well - and there is usually something that can be given to counteract certain side effects.

[Rocky07 in reply to KayEP]

To kayep thank you very much you have really given me something to think about youe words were very positive may I should be more positive

[Moomin8]

Hi- I've been on 800mg sulfasalazine since last August with no side effects at all- we ate all different though ☺

[Selbel]

I was on them was going into my 3rd week then had a servere reaction against them! Before only thing I noticed with them I had indigestion, I wanted loss of appetite lol! Best of luck with them I'm waiting to go back to the Rummy consultant see where I go next xx

[Hidden]

I suffered an almost immediate reaction; within the hour. I felt unusually warm then really quite hot and recall opening the back door and lifting my top to expose my trunk to try and cool down. I fairly quickly developed and angry red rash on my trunk which came and went in waves- this lasted for days and days. I also began to feel wheezy and developed a mild dry cough. All rather frightening and unpleasant. I phoned the helpline and had to leave a message and got a call back the next day and was told not to take another tablet. You don't say ! I don't say this to alarm you but it's the truth and I feel the side effects of these drugs are hugely under reported. Good luck though. I believe my reaction would put me in a minority and I did survive it after all. It was just unpleasant and scary : )

[Hidden]

Web MD lists some of the side effects as:

SULFASALAZINE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick (nausea)

Headache

Rash

Loss of appetite

Fever

Only the most common side effects have been listed. If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: unexplained bleeding, bruising, purpura (red spots/rash caused by a local bleeding within the skin), sore throat, fever, or generally feeling unwell as these symptoms may indicate a blood disorder; a serious skin condition with rash, peeling skin or blistering, which may be triggered by strong sunlight.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.