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Sulfasalazine (Azulfadine)
Available:
500 mg tablets, with or without enteric coating
Dose: 1
to 2 grams twice daily
Cost: $18.99,
100 tablets
Indications:
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, or psoriatic
arthritis; also used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel
disease
Side
effects: Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash
(allergic reaction) may occur. An increase in liver enzymes
and a decrease in blood counts can occur, usually in the first
few months of therapy.
Monitoring:
Blood count and complete metabolic profile every
month for 3 months, then every 3 to 6 months as long as the
medication is continued
Important
points to know: Increase the dose slowly, beginning with
one pill daily or twice daily and increasing every week to
reach the desired dose. Notify your provider if any of the
above problems occur; if a rash develops, stop the medication
immediately and notify the provider. It may take up to 3
months for this medication to be effective.
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