Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group SALAZOPYRIN YES OR NO

Hi Petra, enteric coated sulfasalazine is designed to protect your stomach. The enteric coating is what does that. You might have to still take a stomach protector as well, I'm not sure and that is something you can discuss with your doctor. However, I've heard from several people here, including Jimmy, that sulfasalazine EN (EN = enteric) does a really good job.

Hope that helps.

Hugs,

Hi there
I took salazopyrin some years ago and it started working quite well but some dodgy blood test results and a few side effects were enough for my rheumy to take me off it. My Mum and my Grandfather have all been on salazopyrin and had no problems. My rheumy says it works well for some people and not for others - I hope it works for you! Good luck!

If it gives you migraines stop it.thats what it did to me .this means it is to toxic to your liver.however my brother has done well with it for twenty plus years and has done well with it .in my case I needed a blacked out room and a bucket to vomit in.
Kev

I've taken Salazopyrin for 25years and it has helped me with reduced swelling in my peripheral joints Knees, Hands etc.

Can I take vitamins supplements like omega 3,ginger,calcium while taking Salazopyrin?
And also is it ok top drink alkohol?

CAN THIS DRUG CAUSE OF LOW GRADE FEVER???

Hey guys do you know is it safe to tahe paracetamol with Salazopyrin????and ibrufen?

Hi Petra,

I've been taking Sulfasalazine for about 13 yrs or so now and in my case (predominantly axial) it's been beneficial. It didn't provide a dramatic improvement in the amount of pain I was in but I started waking up less often through the night, so my quality of sleep really improved.

Like many ASers, I've had low grade fevers on and off, both before and after starting on SSZ. I believe the fevers relate to the disease process rather than this drug. However, I always make a point to discuss any new symptoms/changes with my Rheumy, particularly after beginning on a new medication.

Both the omega 3's and calcium supplements are safe with Sulfasalazine. (I've no knowledge re:ginger.)

I was instructed to avoid alcohol while taking SSZ, perhaps since I was on a high dose (3000 mg) and also taking an NSAID at the same time. With this medication it is very important to have your blood work monitored regularly... you really want to make sure your liver stays happy. Depending on your dose and additional medications I'd be sure to check with both your doctor and Pharmacist before adding alcohol into the mix.

Since Paracetamol = Acetaminophen = Tylenol,... and Ibuprophen is really an NSAID... I don't think there is a simple answer. What might be safe in combination is apt to depend on whatever else you may be taking, so it's worth seeking the expert advice of your doctor.

Here is more info on Sulfasalazine

I hope this helps!
mig

Thanks a lot Mig...I didnt understand what you said aboud ginger is ginger safe to take with sakazopyrin Im taking ginger in powder every day with my tea----?

Hi Petra,... Here is what I could find on ginger.

You can find suggested guidelines about the maximum dose per day for ginger, here --> MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements - ginger

And from the same reference:
"Interactions with Drugs
There is evidence that the ginger rhizome (underground stem) may increase stomach acid production. As a result, it theoretically may work against the effects of antacids, sucralfate (Carafate®), or anti-reflux medications such as H-2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac®) or proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole (Prevacid®). In contrast, other laboratory and animal studies report that ginger may act to protect the stomach.

In theory, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications (although clear human evidence is lacking). Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®)."


On the enteric coated form of salazopyrin, I don't believe a stomach protecting medicine is required since it is designed to dissolve in the intestines. And if you haven't been prescribed one, then ginger should be okay.

However, whether this is safe for you or not may also depend on what other medications you are taking. The above quote speaks about theoretical risks of blood thinning... and with Salazoprin they warn against taking any additional blood thinning agents. So again, it appears there is no simple answer and that it would be best to ask for your doctors advice.

If you are experiencing minor nausea on Salazoprin then it will probably go away on it's own in a few weeks time, once you get used to the medicine.

I hope this helps you a little Petra.
mig