Sulfasaline causing problems ?

[Paulee]

Hi i have recently been diagnosed with RA and been given Sulfasaline. Was ok on 1000mg twice a day., Have now gone up to 1500mg. Twice daily and now have tightness in chest, breathess and feel as if I have a lumo in the throat. Anyone experienced similar when incrasing dose ?

Thanks

[Gnarli]

Hi Paulee. I am having a few issues with sulphasalazine at the moment too. I had got to 2 x 1000g a day and had a hacking cough, tight chest etc but it was the stinging, burning rash that really got to me. I called the rheumy help-line for advice and they called me back - bless them - and they told me to stop taking it. I expect I've just been unlucky as it suits a lot of folk on here. Perhaps if you called your help-line they could offer some professional guidance and perhaps put your mind at rest. Please let us know how you get on. Hugs

Jan

[Paulee in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks Jan I will do

[Hidden]

Please phone your doctor. Many people have problems with sulfa.

[Hidden]

How are you doing now?

[Paulee in reply to Hidden]

Will do as still struggling.

[seneca]

Yes - chest tightness is common side effect of sulfa. When I upped dosage to 2gxday I got the tight chest, shallow breathing, racing heartbeat. Tried to push through, but it didn't get better over the course of a week. Chest issues usually lasted about 3 hours after taking the Sulfa. Palpitations were the worst side effect - even went to the GP for an ECG one day I was so scared! (ECG results normal)

The week after the chest issues started, I got a rash all over my back, chest and neck, and was then given an antihistamine injection and taken off Sulfa immediately. Took about a week for the rash to go, but it was such a relief to be able to breathe normally again!

Sounds like sulfa is definitely having a bad effect on you. Your doc willl probably try another dmard for you (i'm about to start methotrexate). Good luck!

[Paulee in reply to seneca]

Thank you Seneca. Thats reassuring to know. I also got sent for ecg which was also clear. Its hard to get the medication right I guess. Good luck with the metheotrixate.

[glenb]

Scary stuff RA. These are the drugs that are supposed to make us better. Every drug they give us have a huge list of side effects. Need to find one that works for you. I have tried loads and really only could stomach MTX and steroid jabs. Good luck

[Paulee]

Thanks Glenb yep scary right enough i think i am beginning to see that it will be trial and error to find the right combination.

[glenb in reply to Paulee]

Have you tried changing your diet at all? I got most relief from cutting acidic foods. Gluten and coffee were the big ones!

[Paulee]

Hi Glenb thank you for this no one had said anything about diet. I will look into this