Sulphasalazine & the sun

sugarbuttie

Hi there

I started sulphasalazine recently. I am on week four & up to full dose with no ill effects so far (just awaiting results of first blood test to see if body is coping ok with it).

I have heard this drug can cause sun sensitivity. I am going to the Algarve in July & am wondering whether I need to do anything extra than I normally would. I never go below factor 15 & cannot sunbathe all day anyway as I have two young children. However, I want to get a BIT of colour!!

Do any of you have any advice or personal experiences of this drug & strong sunshine? Its been nice over Easter & I have been fine in a bit of UK sun!

Thanks for any help you can give x

skezier

Hi Sugar,

nice to see you again.

I hope the sulfa works well for you. I was in it last summer and then changed to mtx and for me its been the other way round.... I don't seem to catch the sun near as much but that might just be me so hopefully someone will know the answer to this. You enjoy your hold. Cris x

suzygirl

I am on sulfa and have just been told it increases sun sensitivity. If you are not photosensitive, then a higher factor suncream and a hat and sunglasses should do the job. Maybe you could ask the pharmacist for advice?? Just to be sure!

dreamdaisy

I am on sulph and meth and can no longer cope with blasts of strong sunlight (I have been on the sulph since Feb 2002, injected meth since - ummmm - can't remember but not as long!) Even a small amount of the dratted stuff sets off a nasty skin reaction, so yet another compromise has to be made for this blasted arthritis. I have never been a sun-worshipper (in fact never a great fan of summer thanks to asthma and hay-fever) but I was beginning to enjoy the sunnier times having had my immune system suppressed by the meds. Not any more.

Everyone is different in how they react - I did not have any trouble sun and skin-wise until last summer, now it is a problem. Chat to your pharmacist and take sensible precautions. Honestly, sulph/meth rash ain't pretty, it stings and itches and does nothing for one's morale. DD

cpontefract

I've been on Salaz for 4 months and it seems to have affect my eyes the most.

I used to catch the sun well but now not so much, and have resorted to being pale.

I had to invest in some stronger sun glasses as my eyes cant take the sun, along with some black out blinds, and moving my desk from the window. I feel like a vampire but at least I dont get sun headaches now

sugarbuttie

Thank you for your replies - I shall have a chat with the pharmacist when I get my next lot of pills. I HOPE so much I am not affected by the sun. I have been saving for this holiday & looking forward to it for so long. Don't want a flamin' rash to spoil it!!!

luckybug

when I was on them I used to go dark brown it was great....I know it says beware but if I see the sun outside the deckchair hits the street and I'm cooking.... good luck and have a lovely holiday.