Sulfasalazine

[Indersisive71]

has anyone had low iron and hemoglobin counts on their blood tests while taking sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquene my bloods were okay at the beginning

[JenniferW]

When my iron was a bit low the rheumatologist picked up on it and said it was something they look out for with RA, so it may not be the pills.

[Indersisive71 in reply to JenniferW]

I phoned the rheumi nurse the other day and she told me that , i thought is she just fobbing me off . Thank you for replying

[bpeal1]

I think it’s more likely to be RA causing low iron and haemoglobin levels rather than the tablets. It’s known as Anaemia of Chronic Disease

[MadBunny]

As others have said, its likely to be the RA thats causing it. I had low iron and haemoglobin after I was first diagnosed and was put on a course of iron supplements. It improved once they got the RA under control .

[Cassie1956]

I have not suffered any of these effects taking sulfasalazine , but I find generally that medications for RA affect people differently. I had really bad side effects whilst on methotrexate and had to change my medication as they got intolerable for me but been ok on the Sulfasalazine and have reduced from 6 tabs a day down to 4 tabs a day.

[Hidden]

Hi Indersisive71

I have PsA and low iron levels...currently on ferrous fumarate iron tablets but have been unwell with gastric probs...thought it was the tablets so I've taken a break from them...going round in circles with it all! Sorry, wish I could be more positive. My consultant says arthritis often causes low iron problems. I'm trying to eat lots of protein and veg for a boost. Take care 💐

[Indersisive71 in reply to Hidden]

thankyou for replying, i couldn't take the tablets .i am on sytron liquid ,slow release iron they are not as intrusive .hope you improve soon

[Hidden in reply to Indersisive71]

Thanks, you too. Think I'll ask for that. 👍💐

[Doryza]

Yes I had problems from sulfasalazine, I had low white blood cells ,low iron too

It was good for polyarthritis but, I had this problem with hemoglobin🤷‍♀️ I had to reduce the daily dose and then I replaced sulfasalazine with leflunomide, the results were not great for pears but I solved leukocytes...

[Sallysuk]

I have had anaemia since I was first diagnosed with RA and although I take ferrous fumarate it is still remarked upon whenever I see GP or rheumy nurse. I do take sulfasalazine but the levels never altered when I started this med. Nobody seems very concerned & I feel OK.

[Indersisive71 in reply to Sallysuk]

Thank you for replying, i was concerned at first when they told me but it seems quite common with the rheumi