Sulfasalazine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Salazopyrin EN-Tabs, S.A.S.-500, S.A.S. Enteric-500, salazosulfapyridine, salicylazosulfapyridine, sulphasalazine, Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-Tabs, Alti-Sulfasalazine, PMS-Sulfasalazine, PMS-Sulfasalazine E.C., Salazopyrin
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is very important that your doctor check your progress at
regular visits
. This medicine may cause blood problems, especially
if it is taken for a long time.
If your symptoms (including diarrhea) do not improve within 1 or 2 months,
or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Sulfasalazine may cause blood problems. These problems may result in a
greater chance of certain infections, slow healing, and bleeding of the gums.
Therefore, you should be careful when using regular toothbrushes, dental floss,
and toothpicks. Dental work should be delayed until your blood counts have
returned to normal. Check with your medical doctor or dentist if you have
any questions about proper oral hygiene (mouth care) during treatment.
Sulfasalazine may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than
it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may
cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or
a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
-
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00
a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
-
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
-
Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF)
of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number,
especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about
this, check with your health care professional.
-
Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect
your lips.
-
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with
your doctor
.
This medicine may also cause some people to become dizzy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines,
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy
. If this
reaction is especially bothersome, check with your doctor.
Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are
taking this medicine. The results of the bentiromide (e.g., Chymex) test for
pancreas function are affected by this medicine.
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