Question 1

is sulfasalazine an unhealthy drug?

Accepted Answer

No.relatively safe!: Sfz is one drug I use the most in patients with many diseases.  Aside from an occasional "sulfa rxn", the most common side effect is stomach "queazyness".  All individuals taking this drug need to be monitored with blood work at defined intervals (2-3 mo) and they should receive Folic Acid supplements.

Question 2

does anyone have problems with this drug, sulfasalazine?

Accepted Answer

Yes: When higher doses are reached patients tend to have problems with the sulfa component. For that reason other Mesalamine products such as Asacol (mesalamine) are more commonly prescribed.

Question 3

is sulfasalazine considered a sulfa drug?  why would my rheumatologist prescribe it for me when i have lupus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yea it is sulfa abx. Useful as immuno modulator in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis !

Question 4

can the arthritis drug sulfasalazine cause mouth ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Any medication can cause mouth ulcers. Although  sulfasalazine does not specifically cause oral ulcers, you may be allergic to sulfa drugs and this could be why you  experience mouth ulcers from this medication.

Question 5

how does sulfasalazine measure up to other 5-asa drugs such as asacol (mesalamine) and colazal for ulcerative colitis?

Accepted Answer

SFZ vs Asacol (mesalamine): Sfz is the best drug for intestinal disease, certainly "1" for regional enteritis and crohn's in the si.  However, colonic bacteria breaks down sfz, and Asacol (mesalamine) is not.  So for large bowel disease Asacol (mesalamine) is preferred for reasons of efficacy.

Question 6

severe ra. dr. prescribed actemra (tocilizumab) inj. plaqunil. methotrexate.sulfasalazine. norco.folic acid.what 2 watch out for? any concerns from theses drugs?

Accepted Answer

Sounds right.: Severe RA requires serious medications.  I do not see any drug-drug problems. But individually these meds require monitoring and an awareness of what can go wrong. You absolutely must review your concerns with your doc who is paid to educate you about the risks and benefits of treatment and making an informed decision about your care.

Question 7

can the arthritis drug sulfasalazine cause mouth ulcers and a sore mouth?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally, yes.: Sulfasalazine and other sulfonamide medications occasionally provoke ulcerative conditions, such as erythema multiforme, and occasionally, more severe, life threatening conditions like stevens johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. If you are experiencing ulcerations in your eyes, mouth, skin, or elsewhere, you should consult your doctor to see if your medication regimen needs changing.

Question 8

who should not take azulfidine (sulfasalazine)?

Accepted Answer

Azulfidine (sulfasalazine): "Sulfasalazine tablets are contraindicated in:  Patients with intestinal or urinary obstruction,  Patients with porphyria as sulfonamides have been reported to precipitate an acute attack,  Patients hypersensitive to Sulfasalazine, its metabolites, sulfonamides, or salicylates." See:  
 http://www.drugs.com/pro/sulfasalazine.html

Question 9

what is the generic form of azulfidine (sulfasalazine)?

Accepted Answer

Two generics!: Non-enteric coated and enteric coated sulfasalazine!

Question 10

can sulfasalazine cause infertility?

Accepted Answer

No: It is extremely rare that a medication will cause infertility. A infection however of the abdomen and pelvic can increase the risk of infertility.

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Doctor answers about:

Sulfasalazine gastroenterology drug

A member asked:

Is sulfasalazine an unhealthy drug?

A member asked:

Does anyone have problems with this drug, sulfasalazine?

A member asked:

Is sulfasalazine considered a sulfa drug? why would my rheumatologist prescribe it for me when i have lupus?

A member asked:

Can the arthritis drug sulfasalazine cause mouth ulcers?

A member asked:

How does sulfasalazine measure up to other 5-asa drugs such as asacol (mesalamine) and colazal for ulcerative colitis?

A member asked:

Severe ra. dr. prescribed actemra (tocilizumab) inj. plaqunil. methotrexate.sulfasalazine. norco.folic acid.what 2 watch out for? any concerns from theses drugs?

A member asked:

Can the arthritis drug sulfasalazine cause mouth ulcers and a sore mouth?

A member asked:

Who should not take azulfidine (sulfasalazine)?

A member asked:

What is the generic form of azulfidine (sulfasalazine)?

A member asked:

Can sulfasalazine cause infertility?

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