Sulfasalazine

[CHARLIE49]

Hi all. Just a quick question.

I've just stopped taking sub-cut methotrexate as it was making me very poorly. I am still on Sulfasalazine but just wanted to ask if anyone knows whether I should still be taking folic acid as I forgot to ask my Rheumy nurse when I spoke to her.

Many thanks

[Hidden]

I don't think it's necessary for Sulpha Charlie, perhaps you should ring the rheumy nurse to ask. There might be contraindications between the two drugs.

[PMRpro]

The website UpToDate (an evidence-based, physician-authored clinical decision support resource run by qualified medics etc) says:

" Sulfasalazine can affect folate absorption, so patients should take folic acid (1 mg/day) while taking the medication."

They may have similar mechanisms which would lead to the ulcers - so it won't do any harm and may be decidedly beneficial.

[CHARLIE49 in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks PMRpro. Will carry on taking it

[orsen-trapp]

What did the mtx do to you? Sorry to be nosy but I've just come off it after 6 months.

[CHARLIE49]

Hi orsen-trap. It gave me really bad migraines with sickness and I felt as if I had been run over by a tank for about three days after injecting. I feel bad enough as it is but that made me feel a lot worse!!!!! My rheumy said I am on enough alternate medication so I should be ok without it and I don't miss it one bit!!!! What about you??

[orsen-trapp in reply to CHARLIE49]

Knocked me out for 3 days a week. 6 if I was unlucky. Fortunately I flared a fortnight ago, thus proving it wasn't working! Now waiting for mmf to arrive at pharmacy. Feeling so much better after 2 weeks without mtx, but that could just be the increased pred that's keeping the lid on things in the meantime!

[Hidden]

I started Methotrexate in June after being diagnosed with rheumatoid, was desperately ill with severve nausea so then tried self injecting but was still very ill. Lost a stone and was barely eating or drinking. Now on sulfasalazine but still suffering on and off nausea, some ok times plus some terribly ill days. Rheumatoid medication really has it in for me, my life has changed dramatically and it can all be overwhelming and depressing at times.

I do not take Folic Acid as I was told by my rheumatoid consultant I do not take it with sulfasalazine. Good luck with everything.