Sulfasalazine : has anyone had low iron and hemoglobin... - NRAS

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Sulfasalazine

Indersisive71 profile image
11 Replies

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

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Indersisive71
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11 Replies
JenniferW profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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.

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 profile image
Indersisive71 in reply to

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

in reply to Indersisive71

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

Doryza profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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

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