Mouth Ulcers

[Lincolnimp2457]

Hi all, not posted here in a while but just to let you know I am being taken off mtx (25mg injections) as I have had mouth ulcers since i first ever started mtx but haven't said anything, they got to a point where I literally couldn't eat and was stopping my mtx for 2 weeks while they healed up on a regular basis, I got in touch with the rheumy nurse, and I will be starting sulfasalazine to see how that goes I am still having problems with my feet, legs, wrists and hands but not to worry, is there anybody else got experience of sulfasalazine please - is it as good as mtx - have you tolerated it better, I look forward to your replies.

[Mmrr]

Sulphasalazine worked very well for me without all the gut / mouth issues that can come with MTX. But, I developed an allergy to salicylic acid component and had to stop it.

It's certainly worth a go and might just be the thing for you.

[Lincolnimp2457 in reply to Mmrr]

Thank you so much for your reply and fingers crossed

[charisma]

Hi, sorry you are struggling with MTX. I had mouth ulcers, rash, skin eruptions etc with MTX and stopped a year ago.

On leflunomide since as the first DMARD I was prescribed (by locum Specialist) was sulphasalazine.

It made me very nauseous, then I had a reaction within one month, had to stop altogether for weeks as blood results were not good. Once sorted, regular specialist started me on hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate, the drugs that would have been prescribed had she been at work. It is all trial and error, finding what is best for individuals. I have a hard time tolerating any of them so far! Good luck with sulphasalazine.

[Lincolnimp2457 in reply to charisma]

I was on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine but had to stop the hydroxy due to getting a retinal detachment and was wondering if it makes you nauseous, thank you for your reply and good luck my friend

[Iluvgardening]

I have been taking sulfasalazine for years.i did experience headaches at first start of meds,but they were tolerable. From what I have read that is why most people can't tolerate it. I am not sure how well it works,because I take other meds with it. I haven't had any other side effects from it . It does make your skin sun sensitive so be sure and wear suncreen when out. I hope you tolerate it well and it gives you some relief with pain and inflammation.

[Lincolnimp2457]

Thank you so much for your reply it has helped me a lot I also had to stop hydroxychloroquine because that caused a detached retina so not doing to well at the moment - but good luck with your pain and inflammation and thank you once again

[Jamarruk]

All I take is SSZ. Was offered all the others for PSA but declined due to concerns of side effects & social life. I’m 97% normal after 6 months. Had very few side effects. My 6 month blood test results were scary in a good way as they were perfect.

I know it doesn’t work for everyone bu it’s so far so good for me.

[Lincolnimp2457 in reply to Jamarruk]

That is awesome to here, I hope I can get the same results, thank you so much you have just given me a light at the end of the tunnel

[Nanna71]

I have no side effects that I know of with the sulfasalazine. I am also on MTX, 15 mgs and after a brief period of mouth sores, which disappeared eventually, I have no real complaints about MTX either. When I looked up the difference between the two, apparently the sulfa has less side effects and is a milder Dmard than MTX. Oh yes, and I don't have much hair left (MTX). Also, I am on prednisone so quite a few things I think.

My doctor said that the 2 Dmards together work well. It is worth getting rid of the pain.

[sunnyweek]

Hello sorry you've been having mouth ulcers with methotrexate. It is a stronger drug than sulphasalazine. If you do decide to take it they will start you off with one tablet and slowly increase this over a few weeks. I take four a day and have done for about 25 years. I've had no known side effects except yellow urine which is common. I hope it suits you and you do well on it. x

[Lincolnimp2457 in reply to sunnyweek]

Thank you so much, it sounds very promising for me then good luck with your continued good health and I can now see light at the end of the tunnel