advice on sulfasalazine and the sun

[Fish1230]

I have been told by my rheumatologist nurse that I need to start taking sulfasalazine for my reactive arthritis, as I had a steroid injection after taking steroids orally, but it’s still not keeping the joint stiffness at bay completely . I’m not happy as I was under the impression that reactive arthritis is temporary around 6 to 12 months . Also she said that I couldn’t go out in the sun on those tablets, and I love my sun holiday, keeps me sane . Does anyone have problems with this medication and being in the sun thanks

[bpeal1]

I’ve been taking Sulphasalazine for 16 years and have never been told that. I just take the usual, sensible precautions.

[bpeal1]

Here’s the link to the Versus Arthritis website page on sulphasalazine. No mention of sun exposure on there either. versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[Fish1230 in reply to bpeal1]

Thanks for that, any other problems that you have had with this medication?

[bpeal1 in reply to Fish1230]

I’ve had no problems with sulphasalazine at all but unfortunately as with any medication we all react differently so it has to be a case of try it and see.

[Fish1230 in reply to bpeal1]

thanks

[AgedCrone]

I think it’s question of suck it and see ….a lot of drugs carry the sunshine warning …personally I had no trouble with the Sun on SSZ or any other RA drug .Before I was on any of these RA drugs I never had any trouble with the sun. Of course, I wear high factor sun cream, and I don’t sit out in the noonday sun.

But if somebody always burns and blisters in the Sun before sulfasalazine things …..won’t change! So beware anybody if you are liable to burn in the sun…take extra care.

I don’t know of any arthritis …reactive or otherwise …..that only lasts 6/12 months! Where did you hear that ?

[Fish1230 in reply to AgedCrone]

Reactive is only temporary for most people , I was given a booklet by my rheumatologist saying that it usually clears up without any lasting problems, unless chronic

[AgedCrone in reply to Fish1230]

I guess it’s not classed as rheumatoid arthritis them…..so that’s a blessing.

[woodstar1]

I've been taking it since 2014 and although it can cause some reaction to the sun, I've been absolutely fine. My advice is try it and see, it will be very obvious if it does affect you.

[Haz58]

I am on this. I used to use factor 15 but now use 30 just as a precaution as I read this too. I sit in the shade during the hottest hours just in case too. But that's just what the advice is for most people anyway.

[LinaM]

I’m a sun worshipper and didn’t have any skin problems when on it . I guess just play it by ear and see how it goes ?

[MSB76]

I was told same thing, but have been on holiday and had no issues, took usual precautions.

[Hippo1234567]

I have absolutely no problems with the sun. I take 2g per day.

[BillyJayDuncs]

I have been on it for about 10 years and no issues with the sun at all in that time luckily.

[smilelines]

When I was on the SSZ the sun didn't bother me. Nothing has changed with regards to the sun and any of the medication I have been on. I would try no to worry about it and just wear a hat and sunscreen and a sun shirt. You can still enjoy a sunny holiday.