Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine

[ER19]

Hi

I have been taking Hydroxychloroquine and now have to take Sulfasalazine as well.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom on taking the Sulfasalazine ? Can I take it at the same time as the Hydroxychloroquine?

[woodstar1]

Hi, I take both and have for around 3 years now. I was on Methotrexate injections but I really didn't do well on that but I'm doing really really well on that combination. I have had no side effects at all except for bright orange pee!! Hope you get on well with it,it's made an amazing difference to me, I'm back exercising at least 5 times a week and I feel so much like me.

Good luck!!

[ER19 in reply to woodstar1]

Thanks that has given me a boost. Is it better to take them with food or does it not matter?

[woodstar1 in reply to ER19]

I take 2 in the morning and 2 later in the afternoon. I think they are better with food, they can cause acid reflux for some people but if so ask the Dr and you can get some omeprazole to take along side. Again, good luck!!

[Rachfaul in reply to woodstar1]

I've just started on sulfasalazine, day 3 today, so it's encouraging to hear you've had no problems in it.

[woodstar1 in reply to Rachfaul]

It'sa strange disease and I think it's a bit of guess work and trial and error to see what works best for the individual. It's scary taking the meds but once they start working and you feel better, it's worth it! Good luck and I hope you too stay side effect free.

[Em13]

I take both. For the first three months of the SSZ I had 2-3 days a week of nausea and throwing up, but that passed. The hydroxy I usually take at lunchtime with food, several hours from any of my other supplements. The SSZ I take morning and early evening. Either with or without food seems to be Ok for me, but with plenty of liquid. Occasionally, when I have forgotten to take the hydroxy to work or have skipped lunch at home, I take both with my evening meal. (One half way through the meal, the other shortly after.) Nothing terrible has happened when I do.

[Tara26186]

Hi that's the combination I am on started it 9 weeks ago. Causes bit of nausea and stomach excitability but have heard does calm down. Take both together in mornings and evenings and they are starting to work

[dwsurquhart]

Yes, they can be taken at the same time. The reason i was given from my rheumy was that theybarw trying to hit the disease hard and fast. Hopefully to knock it into remission. Once a positive effect is noticed, the dr's will taper things off a bit to judge efficacy of the medication and state of the disease.

Word of caution though, make sure you track how you feel daily after the medication. I found that taking both of those caused me to feel like I was pooping acid. Very painful and around 8 times per day. Stopped the hydroxychloroquine and that thankfully went away.

Hope this helps.

[janitae]

I am in both plus now arava....no side affects from the plaquinil but definitely suffer if I don't take the sulphasalazine on a full stomach...gassy, crampy and diarrhea. I have just had my dose cut back to two so I take it after tea with my others. When I was in three I just made sure took the bigger dose at night rather than the morning

[Dreamer1972]

I take both as well, sulfasalazine twice a day, and once a day with the plaquenil (hydroxycloroquine). They both have there benefits definitely much better in combination. Tried to taper off one and then the other but recognized their benefits in combination. I have tried Arava and MTX but didn't like the side effects, I am in the process of adding a biologic so we will see how that goes. As long as you have no or minimal side effects I'm sure you will see the benefit to taking both.

[Terrysl]

I've been on sulfasalazine 10 years now, initially 4 per day then they up'd it to 6. I haven't had any side effects that I know about. Earlier this year my RA got markedly worse, mostly in my hands, and as I work with them it is a major problem to me. So I have now been put on Hydroxychlorquine as well. Been taking hydro a Month now with, as yet no improvement, has anyone had similar experience?

[Englishbluebell]

Hi, I've been taking hydroxychloroquine for eight years for RA, it took 4 to 6 months to kick in and just recently my inflammation levels have increased so now on 400mg per day. Also about to start on sulfasalazine to hope it works in combination. Fingers crossed. Side affects from hydroxychloroquine include itchy neck and ears, odd days tummy upset and occasional headaches. None bad enough to think about stopping meds. Hop this helps.