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Sulfasalazine
Tablets
Chemical Name: SULFASALAZINE (sul-fa-SAL-a-zeen)
Common uses
This medicine is a sulfonamide used to treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking methotrexate. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN under 3 years old is not recommended. Please talk with your doctor about risks and benefits before giving this medicine to your child.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH FOOD and a full glass of water. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. SPACE YOUR DOSES EVENLY over each 24 hour period. If possible, try not to space any dose more than 8 hours from the next dose. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) before taking this medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE a harmless, yellow-orange discoloration of the urine or skin. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately and before taking any more of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, mild abdominal discomfort or pain, mild diarrhea, loss of appetite, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Rarely, this medicine can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience tightness of chest, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, and seizures.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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