Sulfaslazine

DonEmma5

I was just given Sulfasalazine for my RA. Have been taking it for about a month, I am so sick.

Has anyone stopped taking Sulfasalazine? Can I stop abruptly?

Naomi33

Sorry to hear your concerns personally I would contact doctor/consultant for professional medical advice.

Regards @NAOMI33

helpline_team

Hi @DonEmma5,

Thanks for posting on the Helpline Online Community. I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing side effects from Sulfasalazine which is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) prescribed for inflammatory arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Sometimes it can take a while to get used to a new medication. Sickness is listed as one of the possible side effects for Sulfasalazine which would usually happen during the first three months of treatment, it can also take this length of time for the medication to have a positive effect on managing your condition. You should take your prescribed medication unless you have serious side effects (serious side effects are listed in the information I'm sharing with you below). However, do seek further advice from your Rheumatology Team if you are concerned as suggested by @Naomi33. There are other DMARDs that could be explored if this doesn't suit you or isn't effective in controlling your condition.

I hope you will find the following webpages helpful.

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

Best wishes,
Helen, Helpline Advisor