Sulfasalazine

[jaqi1]

Hi i have been on this drug for a week now and i have to see a nurse regularly. Does anyone know why.

[Hidden]

Is it the hospital nurse or your gp nurse you are going to see? It may be for blood tests to check everything is ok. I’d ring your rheumy nurse to ask, they won’t mind you asking, better to ask than keep wondering. 😊

[jaqi1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying. Its the rhumey nurse. I just wondered if anyone else had to do this. I only saw my rheumatologist last week

[Hidden in reply to jaqi1]

Hmm it’s a very long time since I had sulfasalazine but I’m sure people with more recent experiences will come along soon. Sorry I can’t be more help.

[Sheenadon594]

I started on sulphasalazine three weeks aga. I have to go for blood tests every two weeks for three months. They need to keep an eye on your liver as well as probably checking inflammation.

[Quee]

Hi, I have been on sulfasalazine for about 9 months an at first I had few side effects but now it's in my system an I don't have as many episodes. But the downside is that I think he said i have to get regular eye checks every year. Which i do anyway cause my mom had glaucoma an went blind. So now I have glaucoma an my eyes have issues where my right eye hurts so bad I have been er last year an now it's back hurting an watering tears alot. I am trying to get appointments now to see my eye doctor but they can't get me in till April. Pharmacy told me to get naphcon a for allergy that burn like hell. So now I trying go to specialist that saw me last year when I left hospital last year. I think its cause of RA. My eyes especially right eye is so bad. I will keep in touch. Thank you

[Rita29]

I am on sulphasalazine, you need the blood tests to check your liver is working OK, the blood tests will soon calm down to monthly then 3 monthly, as someone said it does affect your eyes but you will get them checked yearly also.

[TheBoys]

I had to come off sulfa as it led to tachycardia and breathlessness.... i couldn't walk as was so dizzy. So i stopped it. Mine was a bad reaction though... i do know they want to keeo an eye on your bloods.

Whereabouts are you based?

[jaqi1 in reply to TheBoys]

Hi im in Portsmouth Hampshire

[Beachwalk]

Hi Jaqi

They need to test your bloods every two weeks for six weeks to check kidneys

I went on Sulf in December and only lasted on them for four weeks. I had dry eyes and mouth. And my skin came out in lumps. And other more personal areas of my body became very itchy. So I was taken off and given skin creams. I’m back to see my nurse tomorrow but I think the rash has left my skin scared.

You know it works for some people and may work for you.

Just keep an eye on all your skin and conditions.

I’m not on any meds at the mo and back with nurse in Monday to see what’s next

[Kalimera57]

Hi Jaqi I’ve been on sulphasalazine since mid December last year. Like you I’ve been having blood tests every fortnight. My consultant told me it was to check my liver. The health Centre were also concerned about my anaemia but that was all related to my bad flare. My consultant hasn’t mentioned about my eyes being checked but I know they do that if you’re also on a drug that begins with ‘H’. Senior moment here and I can’t remember its name.

Sulphasalazine has really helped me Jaqi. I can walk again! Good luck!

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Jaqi1. As some others have said it's quite normal to have more regular drug monitoring blood tests when you start a new DMARD, usually once a fortnight for 6 weeks & then the more regular once a month bloods for at least 3 months. You may remain on monthly bloods or it may change to 3 monthly depending on your Rheumy's preference. What's being checked is changes in your blood, white cell count & platelet count, plus any changes in your liver function, all known to potentially be affected by SSZ. Having bloods done so regularly initially also gives you the opportunity to report any side effects or other issues you may have.

I hope it helps you. I was unable to stay on it unfortunately but hopefully you'll have good results.

[gaspajack]

It's to keep an eye on your blood count etc to make sure your liver and kidneys etc are not affected