1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

sulfasalazine

Posted , 5 users are following.

carol24346
carol24346

i have been on sulfasaline for just over 4 weeks my skin has been itching and dry eyes but it seem's to be worse today

i just noticed small round blisters on my legs and as they seem to go i get a red patch i take 4 pills a day i dont know if i stop taking these do i have to wean myself off them or can i just stop this itching is driving me mad never had it before

 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • tony38011
    tony38011 carol24346

    Posted

    Stop taking the sulfa and get in touch with your rheumy team ASAP to let them know.

    Sulfa was my first DMARD when I was diagnosed with RA 10 years ago. Can't remember how long I'd been taking it before I developed a rash (no blisters) but when I told rheumy about it they stopped it straight away. Went on methotrexate after, which worked fine for me.

    • carol24346
      carol24346 tony38011

      Posted

      thanks i am stopping today i was worrid about withdrawal  symptoms
  • sandy67
    sandy67 carol24346

    Posted

    I started on them 3 weeks ago, but had to stop after 2 weeks due to the most dreadful diarrhoea ever! I almost passed out sweat pouring down my head and my hands and arms went very tingly. Ther was some blood too, so I spoke to a nurse in the RA team whop advised to stop,immediately. I was itching like crazy too on my thighs mostly but all over so i am relieved to have stopped. You dont wean off them, just stop if you have bad side effects. You could ring 111 for advice and they will probably tell you to do the same. I was worried about stopping too as I really want something to help with this dreadful pain, so was disappointed particularly as I am due to go back to work after being iff sick for almost 18 months now. I am still itching too, after a week of stopping! Thats weird! Lol but I am taking more tramadol now so could be that. They may try methotrexate. Good luck x
  • jennie58836
    jennie58836 carol24346

    Posted

    I've been taking Sulfa for about 4 months now. I have not experienced the itching you have described but have now stopped taking it as it seems to make me feel like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.I felt quite weepy at times. This is very out if character for me, has anyone else experienced similar? Haven't gone back to my rheumatologist yet but probably should as pain remains an issue and if I have a flare, I know it wiill be harder to treat.
    • h33919
      h33919 jennie58836

      Posted

      Hi jennie58836 ibfeltbexactly the same. I felt lost and just wanted to curl up and cry. I managed on it for 8 weeks then came off as I also felt very sick. Within a week of stopping I felt as if the sun had come up - bizarre feeling. Unfortunately this is the 3rd DMARD that I have failed in less than a year with no sign of it getting better. Next step is biologics but at 28 I'm concerned I will run out of options soon 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.