How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient sulfasalazine, which is a type of medicine called an aminosalicylate. It is used for reducing inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. It is not fully understood how sulfasalazine works, but it is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. It reduces the actions of substances in the body that produce inflammation. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis sulfasalazine reduces the inflammation in the gut that causes flare-ups of these diseases. It is therefore used to control flare-ups, and is also used as a maintenance treatment for ulcerative colitis to prevent further flare-ups. In rheumatoid arthritis sulfasalazine reduces inflammation and damage in the joints, and therefore reduces joint swelling and stiffness. It can take up to six weeks for the full effect to be seen in rheumatoid arthritis. In this disease sulfasalazine is known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. It is usually only used when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not working.

What is it used for?

Inflammatory disease of the joints

Maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups

Treatment of active Crohn's disease

Treatment of active ulcerative colitis

Warning!

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason, if you experience any unexplained bruising, purple spots, bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness, you should consult your doctor immediately so that blood tests can be carried out to check for this.

This medicine may colour your urine orange/yellow.

This medicine may rarely cause permanent staining of soft contact lenses. For further information talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

While taking this medicine you should have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function, kidney function, and the levels of your blood components.

Use with caution in

Kidney disease

Lack of the chemical G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Liver disease

Slow liver metabolism (slow acetylator status)

Not to be used in

Allergy to medicines from the sulphonamide group, eg the antibiotic sulphamethoxazole

Allergy to salicylates, eg aspirin

Children under 2 years of age

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

If this medicine is used during pregnancy it is unlikely to be harmful to the developing baby, however it should be used with caution during pregnancy. As with all medicines, pregnant women should seek medical advice from their doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk, but the amounts present should not pose a risk to a healthy nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

This medication may cause your urine to be coloured.

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