Sulfasalazine

[Theziggy]

Dependant on results of this morning I will be starting Sulfasalazine in addition to my Pred, which I am presently tapering down to 10mg, despite recent flares.

Any advice, tips etc. about Sulfasalazine would be much appreciated, it seems to have a long list of common side effects.

Thamks in advance

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All I know is it is only given under the supervision of a consultant and you need regular bloods for monitoring! A rheumy in the UK wanted to put me on it as he was quite convinced it wasn't PMR but I was about to move here so I was to wait until I had a doctor here - but one of the side effects meant you had to keep out of the sun! In Italy??? Hullo!!!

[Theziggy in reply to PMRpro]

My pred leaflet says you have to stay out of the sun too @PMRpro - so no change there, plus the sun is rarely glimpsed in Northern Ireland !!!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Theziggy]

True!!!!!

[Theziggy]

I start it when they get my blood results from today @MrsNails

[Theziggy in reply to Theziggy]

You do remember that I have Palindromic Rheumatism and not PMR which was originally diagnosed - it was with this forum's help that I recognised my symptoms were not the same as PMR.

Yet, steroids are used for both, and forums for PR are like hen's teeth, and you guys are so clued up on steroids - so I keep one foot in this forum too.

Thank you all so much.

[Tompark]

Start sulfasalazine slowly and build up your dose over 4 weeks. I now take two tablets twice a day. Pain almost resolved after only six weeks. Headaches for me is main side effects but you do need blood tests every two weeks. I do recommend it