i have been put on sulfasalazine 500mg tablets. i have been on these before like 18 years ago. we could not remember why i quit them.... so he put me back on them. right now i am only taking the morning pill ,1 pill. he wants me to work up to 4 of these suckers a day. do they cause any of you stomach problems like acid reflux? he says they are safe. i feel my gut coming up in my mouth. i cannot promise it is strickly from this pill although i notice the problems after starting this pill. what is your experience?Hiya WW!
I started sulfasalazine nearly a year ago building up to 2000mgs daily. Have had no real problems but have noticed a nasty burning butt ( sorry peeps) sometimes, some acid reflux, nothing else that counts. I am on Plaq and Pred also so they could be the culprits but I have to say that I have been pretty good RA wise these last 9 months so something is working.
Hope it works out fine for you too.
Lyn
Sulphasalazine is a really weak (poor cousin) of an antibiotic. Add in some probiotics and you should be fine. Get the good stuff...something with multiple strains and 20+ billion live cultures at encapsulation. Take one a few hours away from the sulphasalazine so they don't get killed off. When people start probiotics they mention gassiness, bloating, etc, - that will last usually under a month. When that works, up the dose enough so you can get to 'regular' 2X a day. Probiotics have studies that say they decrease CRP and other inflammatory markers.
Also, aloe vera juice will take care of the burning stomach thing and the other end too.
Pip
I've been on Sulfasalzine for about two and half years with no gastric distress. Probiotics may help. Doesn't hurt to take them. We get a high probiotic count yogurt here in Mex. so I've been eating that everyday. Lindy
Your stomach upset could definitely be a side effect, but it may only be temporary while your body adjusts... it is not an allergic reaction.
While you are giving it time, there's no harm in trying the dietary things mentioned above. Read your literature that came with it before taking any OTC remedies although those like pepto are probably ok... just check. You know the drill... some meds can't be taken with milk or they must be taken with milk... when you start something new, it's wise to check.
CathyMarie
WW- I had the same problem and someone recomended I have a couple of cookies or something small to eat with my morning coffee and then take my meds, it worked quite well. I also ate a probiotic yougurt and still do with any meds
Gave me terrible diarrheoa, and didn't help the arthritis much. Sorry! Janie.
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