Advise

Hi I'm new here. Any advice on salfaslazine just started it yesterday 500mg twice a day, was on methotrexate but came off was so I'll. Will this one work? I do hope so. Felt really poorly for 2 weeks , had to wait to see rhuematology nurse, saw her yesterday. Also had steroid injection. Thanks.

[HappykindaGal]

Not going to lie, the first six weeks or so I was nauseous and dizzy. I spoke to the GP and practice pharmacist who both suggested I persevered as these side effects should disappear at around three months. They have and I've also stopped the low dose Pred, which I never thought I would be able to. Still achy and unable to walk far, but, I can run my biz still and I can put up with the aches.

[Hidden in reply to HappykindaGal]

Thanks for your reply. Very encouraging.

[barbieg]

I was prescribed Sulfasalazine 15yrs ago when I was first diagnosed and I had no side effects at all. It took a few months to fully have any effects but it worked until this year . Hope it works for you.

[Hidden in reply to barbieg]

Thanks for reply.

[Hidden in reply to barbieg]

It was the first DMARD I was given back in 1987. I loved it and would go back on it if my rheumy agrees.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Let's hope rhuematology agree, why did you come of salafasazine?🤔

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My then rheumy emigrated and his replacement never sent me an appointment as I was told she would. My GP was anxious that I had internal bleeding as I became very anaemic. I didn't want to have an tube shoved down my throat to find out, so she stopped all my meds (I was also taking Diclofenac and Indometacin). Put me on Pred and re-referred me to Rheumatology. The new rheumy put me on Methotrexate.

[Scottishlad]

I had no real problems on Sulfasazine. Two things to watch out for. It may make you more sensitive to the sun, be careful and use higher SPF than your normal until you find out how you react. It will colour your sweat and urine, stains on clothes can be difficult to shift. Be careful with light coloured clothing.

[Hidden in reply to Scottishlad]

Thanks for reply. Always out sun, can't wait until it gets cooler.

[Susie22]

Hi, I've been on a fairly high dose with no problems at all , for about 7 months so far- so hope you have the same response. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Susie22]

Thanks for reply.

[Hidden]

I know two people who have successfully been on Salfa (only) for years. One has occasional steroids for hand swelling. My OH had early morning headaches for a couple of weeks, but methotrexate was soon added so difficult to say which works best. (Staining yellow urine so no splashing!) Early on in taking Dmards he developed hand tremors, but thats difficult to know whether it was caused by the Salfa. I suspect it was, but it doesn't mean that you would have it. The two people we know, don't have this.That hasn't resolved, but apparently if he isn't spilling his drinks thats OK. (?)

Hope it works well for you. If your disease is more stubborn there are a list of other drugs to try. I hope you find what works for you. Everyone is different as is said very often on this site.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for reply.

[helixhelix]

I've been on it 8 years. The first three months were horrid! Made my stomach very excitable. However after that it's been fine (although just stopped it as disease now needs stronger drugs).

Like you pooch...she looks a bit concerned for you!

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for reply. He is a boy. Loves his walks. Walk even when ache, have to keep going don't we,

[summer32]

Nice dog yes different drugs suit different people

[Hidden in reply to summer32]

Thanks for reply. Dog is my baby keeps me going, he is a rescue dog.

[Ruth12345]

Ive been on it for maybe a year plus methx and hydrox etc etc and most of side effects have gone. The benifits certainly outweigh the draw backs. Good luck. 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Ruth12345]

Thanks for reply, I'm scared of taking to many drugs.only take one at a time, your brave.

[Ruth12345 in reply to Hidden]

I completely understand. Im not brave, ive cried, been totally against meds but Im now in process of embracing the many meds I take. Im trying to look at them as partners with me, to work side by side so I can function, not as I was before RD, and enjoy life again now meds have kicked in. This RD is not just physical but needs getting our heads round the change that has/is taking place. Im a work in progress, as I think we all are. 🙂

[dbestdeb]

I had no problems with sulfasalazine and it worked well for pain. Take it during a meal—my dr said not before and not after, but during the meal to avoid stomach issues. Hope it works for you!

[Hidden in reply to dbestdeb]

Thanks for reply. Will take when having meal.

[barbieg in reply to dbestdeb]

That’s really interesting about taking it during a meal and not before or afterwards. I’ve never been told when to take it and also take Lodine (a strong ante inflammatory) so need my omeprazole . I still get heartburn sometimes so I’m going to try taking it with my meals in future.

[Hidden]

I have just asked rheumatology to reduce me to 1,000 from 4x 500 per day as making me feel ill

[GranAmie in reply to Hidden]

reduced to 50% dose weeks ago as sulfa made me emotionally labile, moody, down, etc etc. told my rheumy i had done this and why, she ok'd it. survived like this till late july when was given 1st infusion of Truxima [biosimilar to Ritx] . 2nd infusion 4wks ago and things are beginning to settle now. hope it works 4u hugs

[nablur]

Sounds like a lot to start with. I had to start going on slowly, 1 then 2 then 2 and 1 then 2&2. This took several weeks. Just sayin....

[Miasnana]

Have been on sulfa for about 16 years plus hydroxychloroquine. I have had my RA under control except for occasional flares, but due to a chronic ear infection

which has lasted approximately 12weeks I have had to stop taking sulfa and within days my hands are hot and swollen and very painful. Once the infection is resolved I hope to start the sulfa again, hopefully without any side effects.

Again

I

tying the sulfa and within days