Not sure what’s going on.... | Arthritis Information

I've been taking the same meds for years now. Never have had any problems. A few weeks back I was told to increase my sulfasalazine from 4 x 500 mg to 6 x 500 mg / day. I've noticed now that when I'm in the sun I get very itchy to the areas of skin exposed. Usually it's the neck and arms. Then I end up having hives/welts and it drives me crazy because it's so itchy. So I decided to go back to 4 500 mg of sulfasalazine a day instead of 6 per day. But it's still going on when I'm in the sun. When I'm not out in the sun it doesn't happen. This one time it happened, I had only been out for about 20 mins and I was on a swing with a canopy so not much direct sun, but it still happened.

Has this happened with anyone else?

Have you called your pharmacist to see if this is a know side effect? I only took it for a couple of weeks and it made me sick so I don't know. No, but I've read that it can be a side effect...so that's why I went back down to my regular dosage. Just seems strange that it's still happening. I'll probably call my doctor and see what she thinks. Just was wondering if anyone else had had this problem.kelstev
increased sensitivity to sunlight is a side effect of sulfasalazine. you probably need to speak to your rheumy, somethings going on.
anna

yeah, I called and was told someone would call me back to let me know what to do as far as the sulfasalazine goes.