Sulfasalazine
Apparently, there is a global shortage of the enteric coated delayed released sulfasalazine. So many of us have had to switch to the not buffered tablets. My question is how are people dealing with the gastric problems. I take 6 500 mg tablets a day and am not looking forward to stomach problems. Any suggestions?
, wow! I was not aware of the shortage! That has to be stressful. I am sorry you are dealing with stomach issues due to the uncoated tablets. Besides the usual advice (take on a full stomach and drink plenty of fluids), I thought you might appreciate this article -- https://creakyjoints.org/treatment/arthritis-medication-nausea/ . It covers more than just sulfasalazine, but I thought the information was pretty helpful. You can also ask your physician if there is anything you can do to minimize the stomach upset, if you haven't already done so. I hope you get some relief very soon!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.What about switching to another DMARD?
Thank you for the suggestion. I take a triple therapy of the Sulfa, Hydroxichloroquine, and Humira, and it has worked wonderfully. With Methotrexate I lost a full day every week and my hair came out in handfuls. So switching isn't an option. I'm resolved to taking this stuff, I'm hoping for coping strategies.I've never taken Sulfasalazine or Hydroxy~. I am a long time user of MTX and Humira. But one of the things I found that helped me was to take my MTX at night before bed. Can you do that with the Sulfa~?
If you're not on one, you might want to discuss adding a PPI with your rheumatologist. This may help.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24387062/
