Hello. I've been taking sulfasalazine since last October. Over the last few weeks I've been getting worsening bowel issues - bouts of diarrhea or very loose stools, several times day. Two questions, please:
1. Has anyone else had this experience and, if so, did it mean stopping the medication?
2. Similar question but related to methotrexate.
Thank you, in anticipation.
Both tabs and injections of MTX caused what I can only describe as nightmare bowel issues for me. The issues kept me housebound for 3 days after taking MTX as I needed to be near a toilet, the diarrhoea was intractable. After 11 months I soiled myself when at the cinema and decided no more. I stopped taking it and had a long serious discussion with my rheumatologist, who had encouraged (bullied) me to stay on it over the 11 months. Never again. The incident made me take control of my meds, nothing passes my lips until I am satisfied about the side effects and I am decide when enough is enough with side effects and when to stop.
MTX works well for around 60 % of people.. . That means it doesn't for around 40%.
Don't be bullied, body autonomy is the way forward. Good luck.
have you spoken to your GP? It could be nothing to do with your meds and needs investigation to make sure there’s not something else going on.
I had loose stools when my sulphasalazine was upped to 6 tablets per day. On 4 I was ok so we returned to 4 and probably added another drug instead. I've been on so many I cant fully remember but do remember I couldn't tolerate 6 sulphasalazine.
I cut my sulfasalazine down to 3 tablets a day as it was causing bowel problems. Since then (2 years ago)my meds have changed a lot - mtx stopped, leflunomide started and just stopped, amgevita injected for 6 months and now stopped as not working and I am waiting to have a ritixamab (?) infusion in the next few months. Bowel problems started again a few months back but not sure at all what’s causing this as I am now on 10mg prednisone plus a bp and statin pill every day! I need to get to the bottom (no pun intended!) of this so I’m now thinking I may ask to cut out the sulfasalazine to see if that helps.
Have you read the leaflets with the bp and statins to see if either could cause loose stools in the side effects? Otherwise if it continues may be visit GP.
No not yet - as you say I need to check that out first. Thanks.
I don't take sulpha and it doesn't look like it would suit me I have ibs prior to diagnosis it was really bad and different to long standing issues had tests fine started methotrexate generally improved possibly because reduced gut inflammation. However day after methotrexate increased issues but manageable. But do get checked if its different for you had stool tests and the blood one.
Sorry you are on this roller coaster with the RA meds and diarrhea. It is difficult enough to be traveling along trying to find which RA meds and combinations will work best for you. Unfortunately for me, I have yet to find the right RA meds. They have either not worked well or caused severe diarrhea I described as purging to the point of bloody mucus. Yeah...bad. I have tried everything from changing my diet (living on bananas, rice, toast and applesauce) , taking Imodium before eating and prescription anti-diarrhea. I tried active culture yogurts and a variety of probiotic tablets and still no luck. My daughter gave me a bottle of the probiotic she used for her gallbladder. Within 2 days my diarrhea was vastly diminished. Within one week, no cramping or spasms. No diarrhea. Mind you, I still have very soft stools mixed in with normal but free of the IBS symptoms. The Probiotic: Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic gummies. The prebiotic is fiber. I was skeptical but I am thrilled it worked for me. If you can't find this brand the label information shows: Probiotic blend: 500 million CFU Bacillus coagulans. Prebiotic blend: fructooligosaccharide, inulin and Xylitol
Neurological & psychiatric issues with RA
Feeling Cold with RA 
RA and lung issues
isolated with RA
Jogging with RA
