Long term effects of sulfasalazine on PA

Hellykay

Hi all,
last year I was diagnosed with PA after three years of problems with my joints, even though I don't have psoriasis. I was started on methotrexate which totally disagreed with me. The consultant gave me a break from meds to let my body get back to 'normal' and then put me on sulfasalazine. Having what I gather are the usual side effects, almost constant nausea, axe in the head headaches, mood swings. I keep trying to up the dose like I'm supposed to but can only take the increased side effects for so long before I give in again. How long, generally, do the really bad effects last and does the sulf make it worth it in the long run? I would really appreciate info from people who have been on it. Thanks x

keith1971

Hi,

I'm currently on it, max dose, 6 tabs a day.

My experience with the side effects you describe only lasted a few days after I went up to 4 tabs a day.

It seemed to work well for me up until a month ago when my symptoms rather dramatically increased. I think I'm starting meth next weekend.

Btw I have PA too.

It may work well for you if you can just grit your teeth and get through the bad spell. Obviously if it lasts more than a week or so I'd recommend getting in touch with your rheumatologist.

Good luck.

x

Hellykay

Hi, have managed to last a week before giving in, should have just been on the cusp at least then. Thanks for that. Can I ask how long you were on it for? What were your flare ups like on it? Sorry to be so nosey, I don't know anyone else who has it so no other frame of reference

keith1971

No probs......

Only been on it 4 months. I was diagnosed last May after my middle finger blew up like a balloon but other than niggling aches here & there my symptoms were fairly mild so I didn't start medication until this March.

It definitely decreased the aches I had but like I said, about a month ago I went into a huge flare which I'm currently still in unfortunately!

Both knees, left elbow, 3 fingers on right hand, left hand side of my neck.....general 'bleurgh' feeling! I only have swelling in my hand though, again middle finger is the worst, little finger & thumb joining the party.

How about yourself?

x

Hellykay

On the left side knee, hip and a little in wrist. Right side ankle, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder. At the moment I seem to have flares every two or three months but even when I'm not flaring I keep some swelling in the ankle, knee and elbow. They say the sulf should stop that. I understand the bleugh feeling. My consultant said that the meth is the first line drug and generally the most effective so I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Also on the upside fewer tablets to take! x

tillytop

Morning Hellykay and welcome to the forum!

Just a quick message cos I am on the way out but just wanted to say that I felt dreadful too when I started Sulfa and I nearly gave up. BUT, once I got used to the full dose (which for me was 4 tabs each day) I took it for many years with no problems at all (I have RA).

So, as Keith says, if you can stick with it you may find that you do get used to it.

Thinking of you.

Love Tillyxxx

keith1971

Hell yes! Less tablets will be a god send!! Popping up to 12 'proper' drugs right now, fifteen or so if you count supplements/vitamins....

And to think I used to have a little phobia about swallowing pills!! I still can't swallow my stomach protectors as they're like licorice bullets and get stuck in my throat....and then usually get coughed up and come whizzing out like projectiles! My lovely GP prescribed me soluble ones instead.

As for the meth......from being terrified and adamant I wouldn't take it, I'm actually chomping at the bit to get my first dose. I just wanna get going with it as I'm tired of being in pain & swollen! I'd cross my fingers that it'll work but unfortunately they're like little chipolatas right now. This is really doing no good for my suave image!



x

dreamdaisy

I have been on the maximum dose of sulph for over nine years now. I too have PA but usually without the P - outbreaks are rare, the last was, ummm . . . . no idea! The sulph seems to keep that at bay but has not done much for the arthritis. When I began the sulph I was five untreated years into arthritis so it was far too little and far too late. I bruised like billy-o initially but that was all, no headaches or nausea. Everyone's arthritis is unique to them, develops at different rates, affects people differently, in the same way we all react very differently to the meds. I wish you well and I hope it does summat for you. DD