Sulfasalazine and antibiotics

mld

I started taking Sulfa almost four weeks ago. After 1 tablet I had a sore throat, so had to go onto antibiotics to get rid of the infection for a week. Then I restarted Sulfa again. I'm now on three tablets a day, but have got another sore throat and chest infection. If I go back onto antibiotics do I have to start the Sulfa back on one tablet or do I start again on three?

I'm not doing very well with this drug. I need another blood test on Tuesday, so that will say whether the white blood cells are being affected, won't it? It's just that I don't pick up infections normally!

I'm also in agony with the RA at the moment. Couldn't get comfortable last night, so didn't sleep. Have had an hour's kip this lunchtime.

Margaret

lizzieuk1

I think if uve had 2 sore throats on it already I'd ring the rheumy sounds like its battering ur immune system rather a lot.

dibdab

Oh dear Margaret, I do hope that you feel better soon. It would probably be a good idea to ring your rheumy nurse tomorrow and ask for advice in case it's taking your immune system down too far. With regard to whether you need to start at 1 tablet again- the rheumy nurse will advise you on that too- I was told it was okay to go straight back to 3 if I'd only missed 1 week, but it's early days and maybe your system isn't used to them yet?

Take care,

Deb x

stickywicket

I’m with the others, Margaret. Ring the rheumatology helpline. When you’ve been on a DMARD for a few years you might have some idea of how to juggle your meds but certainly not after four weeks.

All of us, on DMARDS, are more prone to picking up infections and less able to deal with them having got them. That’s because DMARDS work by suppressing our immune systems.

I’m sorry the RA’s playing up. The sulph hasn’t had much time to kick in yet plus I’ve found that, if my temperature is raised, the RA comes to the fore.

Please get some ‘proper’ advice on this, not from your GP but your rheumatology people.