Advice

[Angie2212]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me if after being on Sulfasalazine for almost a year, could this be the cause of me feeling really sick daily?

This started around 6 weeks ago and when I went to my GP he examined my tummy and said he couldn't feel anything that would warrant a scan.

At first the sickly feeling came and went. Now it is constant. I have lost 1 stone in weight as this feeling is worse when I eat.

Could my meds have anything to do with this after this time being on them.

I have no pain with my RA, which tells me they are still working. I'm also on dihydrocodeine and etoricoxib and have been for over 3 years since before starting my RA drugs.

I see my RA specialist in January and don't want to bother my RA nurse if not necessary.

Any advice welcome.

Angela

[jojo_71]

Hi Angie

I really would bother your rheumy nurse, bless you, you can't go on like this..

They are experts in these meds, have you got a helpline you can call?

Jo x

[Hidden]

Losing a stone in weight without trying isn't good! Ring your rheumatologist and ask for an appointment.

It could well be the sulfasalazine, but it could also be something else. Have you had your bloods done recently, and were they OK?

I'm glad your appointment is coming up. If it's the end of January there's no harm in phoning the nurse or rheumatologist to see what the have to say.

All the best

[helixhelix]

Could be the sulpha or could be the Etoricoxib, or could be something else entirely. But a stone in a month is a red flag. Bother the nurse, and if need be bother the GP again.

[sylvi]

I would see someone asap darling as you need some help now and it could not even be related to your drugs.xxxxx

[Carriacou1937]

Hi Angie,

I was taken off sulfsalazine a year ago after losing a stone and a half. I was down to less than 50kg. I was revolted by most foods, and became anaemic. My weight gradually built up over six months. I feel sure sulfasalazine was the cause. I am also on methotrexate and Celecoxib, with side effects. Would love to get off all drugs.

Best Wishes Joan

[Fra22-57]

I have been on it for about 4 years with no effect but theses drugs effect everyone different.my husband list stone and half over few months and was over blood tests and scans.I would return to GP and ask for this plus contact rheumy nurse too.you will feel better knowing nothing sinister going on.my husbands was hidden stress

[Fatfingers]

I am only a month into it and there are some days when I feel nauseous but am hoping it will pass. As the others have said do contact the rheumy nurse and explain what's going on especially the weight loss. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

[dbestdeb]

I know sulfasalazine can cause tummy upset. My dr advised taking it half way through a big meal. Hope you feel better.

[Angie2212 in reply to dbestdeb]

But would it all of a sudden make me feel so sick after having no issues with it for almost a year?

I made an appointment to see my GP on 28th.

[dbestdeb in reply to Angie2212]

My understanding is that yes, it could begin to upset your stomach after a period of time. They took me off due to bad acid reflux after two years.

[lindylinnette17]

Hi , I asked to be taken off sulphsalasine because of the daily sick feeling. Felt better within 4 weeks. It put weight on me though as eating made my stomach feel full instead of nauseous. I suppose we all react differently to it. I am managing on just humira now. You do what you feel is right for you alongside advice from rheumatology. Happy Christmas .

[Shalf]

I think it's so easy to look down the RA meds road when we develop additional health problems. I would put your RA and meds to one side for now and see GP solely about being sick daily and about the weight loss. Your GP will see what meds your on. Leave it to him/her to decide how to deal with this. I hope it's something that can be resolved quickly. Happy Christmas Angela, take care. Xx

[nomoreheels]

I came off SSZ because of two reasons. One was it made me very low. The other was it made me nauseous & sick. My GP prescribed an antiemetic, prochlerperazine, which I'd had previously so knew it worked but it only did to a degree with SSZ, it quelled the sickness but not the nausea so the SSZ was stopped.

I'd talk to your Rheumy about it. I understand how misery making it is & losing weight without trying is reason in my eyes to say enough.