I am about to start Sulfasalazine tomorrow (not that I've been counting down to it or anything 😄) and I watched a video on the NRAS website about it and they mentioned that if i get a cold, sore throat etc I should tell my Dr.
Well I get them all the time , I don't think my Dr would be too impressed with me ringing all the time 😅.
I'm assuming its so it doesn't progress onto something more serious but I'm also guessing we have to use our own judgement here and only ring when its not just a cold, or am I totally wrong ?
I literally have no idea what my body is going to do next so I don't know what to think. Normally I would have the mentality of oh it will be alright but now ??
Any help much appreciated 👍
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Marionfromhappydays
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Yes you do need to use a bit of judgement when deciding on whether to call your GP or not over common minor ailments.
But....always err on the side of caution, particularly in the early days of taking RA drugs.
Most GPs will be understanding of the need for advice when taking RA meds, they too tend to err on the side of caution.
You shouldn't necessarily have more coughs, colds, sore throats when taking SSZ, but do usually need to stop taking it to let your body heal. Always follow medical advice given.
As you become accustomed to taking meds you will learn what is your norm, things to be be concerned about, when you should ask for help, your confidence will build.
It seems reasonable to wait 48 hours from the onset of your usual symptoms to see if they are going to get worse before contacting your GP if you usually get lots of minor infections. But anything that is out of the ordinary, then contact them.
But you might want also to look at your contacts and how you can cut down the number of stray viruses that you encounter. Social distancing does help as well as the hand washing that we are all being advised to do, and I have certainly noticed a reduction in the number of infections that I've had since the lockdown. But if you are working with children or lots of people it can be difficult.
I finally bought a thermometer! My rule of thumb for phoning or going to doctor is something that doesn’t go in three days, or a temperature over 100 for over 24 hours.
In 10 years they’ve not really been bothered by me at all. But I do try to keep healthy.
Hi Marion. Can I ask how you got the video to play as I've been trying to get it up for a few weeks now but it doesn't seem to be available any more. I started SSZ a few weeks ago (I am now on my sixth week) but I didn't know about the cold or sore throat and letting the doctor know.
Fingers crossed for you starting SSZ tomorrow. I have been on it for around a year now and have not had more sore throats, coughs etc. I have a bit of a sore throat and slight cough due to allergic rhinitis and GERD and have only contacted my GP if my symptoms have been worse than usual and or lasted more than a few days. I’m prone to sinus infections due to the allergic rhinitis but tend to leave it a week before contacting GP unless I am really unwell. Not had any more infections or symptoms due to the SSZ though thankfully. Good luck for tomorrow. x
I wasn't told this when starting Sulfasalazine. I'm already on Methotrexate so have to miss that if I get an infection but not just a cold and I wasn't told to stop Hydroxchloroquine even when I had to miss my Methotrexate because of a suspected chest infection.
My gp scolded me for not telling her i had a sore throat straight away one time. I was on methotrexate at the time. I left it a few days. She said these drugs are "high risk drugs", and any symptoms should be reported asap. I thought she was being a bit dramatic. That is until i developed tonsilitus one morning. By the next day i made a gp appointment as it has rapidly progressed to pus filled yellow tonsils and looked gross! She sent me straight to A@E who hooked me up to iv antibiotics and also gave me a telling off! X
I was on it for over 20 years I never told my GP about coughs and colds as you tend to know if your symptoms are just the same as everyone else around you. It did give me stomach problems but that it is another story. I never had much problems for the 20 years and it kept my RA at bay until my body became Immune. I should say I was on 5 tablets a day.
Also.... methotrexate is a totally different drug and yes if you have an infection be it cold or cough you have to stop taking that and inform your medical people. Sulphasalazine is a totally different drug
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