Sulfasalazine

Dollypinks

Hi everyone - am new here. I’ve been on sulfasalazine for 7 weeks now - had a bit of nausea but nothing intolerable - suddenly I’m feeling sick constantly and my hands are shaking badly. I thought I was through the side effects part but am feeling awful - is this normal? Any advice would be appreciated x

Brynmor

Hi @Dollypinks welcome to the Online Community, lovely to have you join us.

Sulfasalazine can take up to 12 weeks before you notice any changes and side effects usually happen during the first three months of treatment. So, yes, its not unexpected that you feel awful.

It does sound as though the increased dosage you are now on after 7 weeks needs adjusting to a lower dose for a time. Do consult your doctor about this - it’s a long-term treatment so it is important to keep taking the drug.

We have a great page of information on the web site regarding sulfasalazine:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/sulfasalazine/

Do join in across the community, give advice and call in for a chat to say how you are getting on.

All best wishes

Brynmor