Problems getting sulphasalazine

[Moomin8]

Morning peeps🙂

Just a quick question- has anybody had trouble getting sulphasalazine from their pharmacy? This is the 2nd time when ordering my meds that they haven't given it to me. They said that they're having trouble sourcing it due to the Euro talks causing problems 🤷🏻‍♀️Luckily I have a little surplus, because at one time it was increased to 3 twice a day - couldn't tolerate that 🤢 I now only take 2 twice a day.

[woodstar1]

Yes I'm having issues as well, not had them for the last 2 months and if I can't get them on Monday it will be the third month. I too have some to keep me going but my pharmacy says he hasn't a clue when we'll get them and also puts it down to the same. He can get some uncoated generic one's but I've been on the Pfizer one's for ages and in the past if I've changed brand's I've ended up really poorly.Hopefully it's sorted soon but I don't think you are on your own with this.

Take care.

[rab1874]

Hi Moomin,I’m having trouble getting stomach protectors as I’ve not had them the last couple of months xxx

[Marionfromhappydays]

Oh no, I think it could become an issue because the brexit talks don't seem to be going well *runs out and order my thyroxine now*

I have a whole bottle of Sulfasalazine and a few methotrexate pens left from when I tried but couldn't tolerate them and I asked the rhemy nurse yesterday if I should take them back to the chemist and she said no point and they just throw them out. Shame isn't it. I've got to put them in my sharps box and destroy them. I understand you can't give People prescription drugs but its wasteful isn't it.

Hope you get some soon x

[Smelliott]

"There will be no downside to Brexit, only a considerable upside."

[Moomin8 in reply to Smelliott]

To be honest - I'm not taking sides, or making a political statement.

[woodstar1 in reply to Smelliott]

Indeed, yet another brexit bonus!! 🤣

[wilbertjellyfish]

I don't think it's anything to do with brexit. It's more likely vivid or a batch failure affecting the factory. I got a different brand the last time and they are OK but will see next time. Also pharmacist at doctor's said certain pharmacys had supply and others didn't so it might be worth trying a different chemist group in case they have supply or a brand that works for you.

[mjrminor]

This happened to me the same time last year. My pharmacy ran out of the EN-coated Sulfasalazine and only had the usual non-coated that isn't typically used for RA because it doesn't work in the same way (RA needs the slow release of EN-coated tablet, the regular sulfa dissolves in your stomach before it reaches your small intestine, so is better for stomach related autoimmune issues).

I couldn't get any EN-coated sulfa for two months and as a result I started to suffer with more pain and fatigue. Better go and check with my pharmacy to see if the same is happening here.

😔

[Moomin8 in reply to mjrminor]

🤞

[Og69]

Hi Moomin8, I have had to take the generic coated alternative made under licence to Genesis Pharmaceuticals. The tablets are similar in appearance to Salazopyrin EN 500 from Pfizer. The tablets are classified as "gastro resistant", so the rough equivalent of EN, "enteric coated". The base make up is from sulphasalazine, so I believe Salazopyrin is a Pfizer brand name. The Department of Health issued an "SSP" (Serious Shortage Protocol) on the 20th of October, stating that Pfizer were out of stock of the product until early December, but that generic alternatives can be used as there are "no known differences in bioavailability between branded and generic products".

I trust that you will be able to happily use the generic versions as I am, with no adverse effects. Incidentally, I have used the sulphasalazine successfully for 33 years with no problems.

[Moomin8]

Thank you so much for a very informative reply! It explains what's going on very well. For now I still have a couple of weeks supply, but I will have to consider an alternative if needed. You have given me the confidence to try.