Sulphasalazine E.C.

Name of the treatment you are taking

Sulphasalazine E.C. (Salasopyrin EN)

Why are you taking Sulphasalazine?

These tablets are used to treat arthritis and inflammatory disease. They are thought to slow down disease activity and reduce inflammation. They do not have a direct pain relieving effect so you may need to continue with your other pain relieving tablets as directed by your doctor.

How should I take Sulphasalazine?

Swallow the tablets whole with water and take after food at about the same time each day. Do not crush or chew these tablets. Remember to always take the number of tablets the doctor has told you to. The following will give you a guide.

Taking Sulphasalazine

Your dosage will start off low initially and then will gradually be increased over a 4-week period to a required dose to suit you.

How long will I need to take Sulphasalazine?

Generally for long term at the doctor's discretion. When you have maintained a significant improvement (remission) for a suitably long period, we may decrease the dose and then stop.

How long will it take to work?

Sulphasalazine may take 3 months to work. Do not become discouraged if the effect is not immediate.

What do I do if I forget to take Sulphasalazine?

Miss that dose and take the next dose at the usual time.

Can I take alcohol with Sulphasalazine?

Alcohol may be taken in moderation.

Are there any side effects for Sulphasalazine?

All drugs may have side effects but not everyone will experience these. With these tablets the following have been reported.

• Rash
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sore mouth/mouth ulcers/bleeding gums
• Bruising
• Orange/yellow discoloured urine
• Staining of soft contact lenses

These side effects are rare and often of no consequence, but if they do occur, please contact your General Practitioner or Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner.

Can I take other medicines with Sulphasalazine?

Please check with you doctor or pharmacist about any other tablets you may be taking.
Avoid taking indigestion medicine (antacids) at the same time of day as these tablets. Allow 1-2 hours. Do not take any other medicines without asking your doctor or pharmacist. You may take (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Preparations), Lederfen, Voltarol, Indocid, Relifex, Naprosyn, Clinoril, Brufen, etc, as prescribed by your doctor.

Can I start a family?

Women: Do not get pregnant whilst taking these tablets. If you want to start a family, please contact your General Practitioner with a view to changing your medication.
Men: These tablets may lower your sperm count, but this is reversible on stopping the tablets.

Your responsibility

It is your responsibility to visit your General Practitioner for regular blood tests as advised by the Rheumatology Clinic.

The usual recommendation is to have monthly blood tests for 3 months and then every 3 months. This is for your own protection as these tablets may affect your blood count.

If you are unable to attend for this blood test, please contact your General Practitioner or Sister Spark.

What else do I need to know?

• Never allow yourself to run our of tablets.
• Always take your treatment as instructed.
• If you no longer require your tablets take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them.
• Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
• Never give your tablets to other people. This treatment is especially for you.
• Monitoring the effects of these tablets is important. This includes a blood test.
  

Wirral Hospital NHS Trust

Rheumatology Services
Dr T D Kennedy - Consultant Rheumatologist
Dr E George - Consultant Rheumatologist

Any further queries please telephone:
Specialist Nurses Rheumatology
Direct Telephone Number: 0151 604 7195
Clinical Services Pharmacist
Tel No: 678 5111, ext 2445

Document Information
Expiry Date: 11/04/04
Author: Richards, Sue. Sr
Organisation: Wirral Hospital Trust