THIS INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS INFORMATION GIVEN TO YOU ELSEWHERE.
AS A PATIENT YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE REASONS YOU ARE TAKING THE
DRUG AND HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE BENEFITS AND RISKS.
YOUR OWN DEPARTMENT WILL PROBABLY PROVIDE SIMILAR GUIDELINES AND
YOU SHOULD ADHERE TO THE PRACTICE AND POLICIES OF YOUR OWN
RHEUMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT

 Click here to print this guideline in WORD format

What do the tablets look like?
Sulfasalazine tablets are mustard coloured oval shape tablets of 500mg each.

Why are you taking Sulfasalazine?
Sulfasalazine is used in the treatment of arthritis. It is thought to slow the
disease activity. It may help to relieve inflammation and stiffness and prevent
any further damage to your joints.

How to take Sulfasalazine
Your treatment will be increased in stages as follows:

Week am pm
Week 1 500mg
Week 2 500mg + 500mg
Week 3 500mg + 2 x 500mg
Week 4 2 x 500mg + 2 x 500mg


Your doctor may decide to increase the dose further to 3 tablets twice daily,
until you reach the right dose for you.
The tablets may be taken morning and evening, preferably with food to avoid
side effects. Swallow the tablets whole, do not chew or crunch them.
It may take up to 3 months before you start to feel the benefit of this
treatment.
Sulfasalazine is not a painkiller so you will probably be asked to continue taking
your normal medication.

What to do if you miss a dose
If you forget to take your medication, do not double your next dose but make a
note of it and remember to tell your doctor at your next appointment.

Can you take other medicines and drink alcohol?
Always tell your doctor that you are taking sulfasalazine before you are
prescribed any other medicines.
If you buy medicines over the counter at the pharmacy, also tell the pharmacist
you are taking sulfasalazine.
You can drink alcohol in moderation.

Contraception and pregnancy
Sulfasalazine has been used safely during pregnancy, however all drugs can
potentially affect the unborn child. Men and women of childbearing potential are
advised therefore to use a reliable method of contraception during and for three
months after treatment. When planning a pregnancy, it is important that both
men and women on this drug discuss medication with the Rheumatology Team.
This should be at least six months before conception.

Special precautions
Your doctor will arrange for you to have a blood test fortnightly for the first 3
months and 3 monthly thereafter.
You will be given a booklet and your doctor will enter the results of your blood
tests. Please remember to bring it with you to the clinic.
You should avoid close contact with people who have infections such as
chickenpox. If you know you have been in close contact with somebody with
chickenpox, contact your doctor for advice. Do not have any live vaccinations
without first discussing it with your doctor.
All infections should be treated promptly. If you are aware of an infection,
arrange to see your doctor.

Possible side effects
" Dark yellow or orange coloured urine. This is nothing to worry about.
" Soft contact lenses will be damaged by the sulfasalazine.
" Feeling sick (nauseated).
" Loss of appetite.
" Mild headaches.

If you experience:
" Raised temperature;
" rash;
" sore mouth/mouth ulcers;
" bruising;
you should contact your GP or practice nurse.
If side effects occur, tell your doctor. You may be advised to reduce the dose of
sulphasalazine.
Please note: the information here is additional information for you. Please also
read the information sheet that is provided with your medication.