Explanation

Sulfasalazine (also called Salazopyrin®) is a medicine that helps to stop your small or large intestine from getting inflamed. Sulfasalazine is used to treat Crohn's disease.

It is a type of medicine called an anti-inflammatory.

How does it work?

Sulfasalazine works by stopping some of the chemical signals in your body that make your large or small intestine get inflamed.

What does it look like?

Sulfasalazine comes as a small yellow tablet, which you swallow with a glass of water. It also comes as a liquid for very young children, or if you find it hard to swallow tablets.

Sulfasalazine also comes as a suppository, which melts when you put it up your bum.

Your doctor will help you decide the best type of sulfasalazine for you to use.

When do I have to take it?

Your doctor will tell you how often you should take your sulfasalazine and when you should take it.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

Taking your sulfasalazine is important as it will help keep your Crohn's disease under control. If you stop taking it, your intestine may get more inflamed again.

Don't stop taking it before talking to your doctor, even if you feel better!

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your sulfasalazine, don't worry. Just wait until your next dose is due and take it as normal.

Don't take twice as much next time to catch up. Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much should I take?

This depends on how old you are and how much you weigh.Your doctor will tell you how much sulfasalazine you should take and how often you need to take it.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

Sulfasalazine can cause some side effects. But not everyone will have them. Some of the more likely side effects you could get are:

Dizziness

Tingling or numbness

Sore hands or feet

Jerky movements

Feeling sad or empty

Seeing things that aren't there

Seizures

Problems sleeping

Headache

A high temperature

Puffy or blood shot eyes

Painful mouth or mouth ulcers

A cough or problems breathing

Problems with your heart

Feeling sick or a having sore tummy

Itchy skin or eczema

Problems with your liver and kidney

Orange wee or poo

Problems with your blood, like anaemia

If any of these side effects make you feel very unwell, make sure you tell your doctor.

What other side effects might I get?

Some less likely side effects you might get from sulfasalazine include:

Bruising

Going pale

Having a bad sore throat or fever

If you notice any of these side effects stop taking your sulfasalazine immediately and tell your doctor.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

Some much less likely side effects you might get from sulfasalazine include:

An allergic reaction (signs of this include sudden problems breathing, a skin rash, swelling and wheeziness)

A serious rash, blistering or peeling skin

Feeling unwell, with aching joints, bumps on your skin and itching

If you have any of these side effects, stop taking your sulfasalazine immediately and tell your doctor.

If you notice any other side effects not listed here, you should tell your doctor.

Is it safe for me to be taking it?

If you know you are allergic to sulfasalazine don't take it. If you are allergic to aspirin or a type of antibiotics called sulfonamides you shouldn't take it either.

You should also not take sulfasalazine if you have a rare illness called porphyria, which affects your blood.

Before taking sulfasalazine, tell you doctor if you have:

Any problems with your liver or kidneys

Any problems with your blood

Is it okay for me to take sulfasalazine if I'm already taking other medicines?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking, or have taken recently, including herbal medicines. It's especially important to mention if you are taking:

Any medicines for diabetes

An antibiotic called methanamine

Medicines to treat heart problems

Drugs to stop your body rejecting an organ transplant

A vitamin called folate

Do I need to know anything else about it?

When you are taking sulfasalazine your doctor will give you regular blood tests to check that your liver and kidneys are working properly.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with Crohn's disease in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.