Sulfasalazine

[michywishy]

Hi I have been taking 500mg of sulfasalazine daily for 4 weeks and now have increased to 2 daily and feel very sick does anyone just take the one dose and still feel benefits? My Consultant is very sympathetic and has left the decision up to me until I see the nurse in Feb.

[helixhelix]

Everybody's different so how we each respond to the various drugs can vary enormously. It may well be that just one sulpha will do enough for you, and have an effect on your RA if you happen to have a relatively "well behaved" RA. But it's a low dose, so may not do a huge amount. I'm now on 2500mg, ie 5 tabs plus MTX and Hydroxy. It took a while to get used to each drug, but now they're ok. But if you can't cope with the side effects then there are other drugs you could try (as long as it's RA you have, not spondy) so talk to your nurse. Polly

[michywishy in reply to helixhelix]

thank you, I have got a low pain threshold and do not take to new meds that well my RA is managable when I dont "overdo" things so in other words not much! Not sure if its just me but one dose is doing "wonders" I will be having the 1st blood test shortly to see if all is ok...

Thanks again

Michelle

[GailH]

My GP prescribed some anti sickness tablets, I took them whilst I increased my sulfa dose. I take 3 tablets twice a day now and no longer need the sickness tablets - good luck

[michywishy in reply to GailH]

thank you I have had them in the past and they MAKE me sick I am a strange one where meds are concerned even taking my blood pressure meds made me feel sick for ages.... 7 years on and they are fine thanks again

[Tillytop]

I'm so sorry you are struggling so much with the nausea from the Sulph. Just wanted to say that, if you can "hang in there" until you get used to the full dose, you might find the nausea goes away. When I started Sulph, I had very bad headaches and nausea and every time I increased the dose it got worse. I think I actually spent much of the first weeks of Sulph in bed if I remember rightly. It was my first RA med and I so nearly gave up. BUT, once my body got used to the full dose the nausea and headaches disappeared and I took Sulph for many years with no problems at all. I don't do well on anti-sickness meds either Michelle, so you are not alone there.

Really hope things improve for you soon.

Thinking of you.

Tillyx

[michywishy in reply to Tillytop]

Thank You I am fine on just the one dose of 500mg and seems to be "doing" the trick with my joints.... I think I will hang on until I see the nurse in Feb and she will prob tell me the same but as I have mentioned I have a great Consultant and she has practically said to me that it was totally a personal decision thank goodness....Thanks for the support

[Tillytop]

Hello again!

I am so pleased that you are doing so well on the lower dose - and that you have such a great consultant. It really makes a diference doesn't it? Good luck with it - and really hope it continues to help you.

Tilly x

[Hidden]

Hi I don't feel sick but do get bad headaches when it's increased - I'm now on 5 tabs a day, unfortunately it hasn't had a great deal of effect on my joints!

[Philip]

Hi, I'm only on sulphasalazine 6 tabs max dose, I've been ok with it from the start, I hope you get used to them sooner rather than later.

Philip

[jimsalisbury12345]

i never had any probs with sulfasalazine im on 2000 mg daily now 7 years as ld tested deug only need bloods done every couple years is good drug works but has been round so long and realy trusted has slowed down my condition so glad was put on it i for sure would be lot worse by now so this drug very safe and no side effects for me