Safely Buy Salazopyrin EC ( Sulfasalazine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Salazopyrin EC is a medication that contains the active ingredient sulfasalazine.

Sulfasalazine is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. This medication does not cure this condition, but it helps decrease symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

After an attack is treated, sulfasalazine is used to increase the amount of time between attacks. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the large intestines.

Use and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth after meals with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, your doctor may recommend a slow increase in your dosage when starting treatment. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on weight.

If you are taking the delayed-release tablets, swallow them whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so may increase the chance of stomach upset.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it may take 1 to 3 months before you notice any improvement in your symptoms.

Side Effects

Common side effects of sulfasalazine are:

• Anorexia
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastric distress
• Reversible oligospermia

Less frequent side effects are:

• Skin rash
• Pruritus
• Urticaria
• Fever
• Heinz body anemia
• Hemolytic anemia
• Cyanosis

Sulfasalazine may produce an orange-yellow discoloration of the urine or skin.

These are not all the possible side effects of sulfasalazine.

Cautions

• Before taking sulfasalazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa drugs; aspirin and related drugs (salicylates, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen); or mesalamine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: intestinal blockage, urinary blockage, kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders (such as aplastic anemia, porphyria), a certain genetic condition (G6PD deficiency), asthma, severe allergies, and current/recent/returning infections.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Get medical help right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers younger than 18 years should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (such as salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have just been given a live virus vaccine (such as varicella vaccine), without first consulting a doctor about Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• This medication can temporarily affect fertility in males. Ask your doctor for more details.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Caution is advised if this medication is used near the expected delivery date because similar drugs may cause harm to a newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your doctor right away. This medication may lower your folic acid levels, increasing the risk of spinal cord defects. Check with your doctor to make sure you are taking enough folic acid. Prenatal care should include tests for spinal cord defects.
• This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Salazopyrin EC is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Salazopyrin EC Tablet :
  • 500 mg
• Sulfasalazine Delayed Release Tablet:
  • 500 mg

FAQ

How long does sulfasalazine take to work?

It can take up to two months before you feel the full effects of sulfasalazine, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.

Does sulfasalazine cause cancer?

Cancer or malignancies are not listed as an oncology side effect in the product labelling for sulfasalazine, a conventional DMARD, but your doctor may suggest more frequent skin cancer monitoring.

You may not be eligible to use certain biologic DMARDs if you have a history of skin cancer (melanoma) or other cancers. Some biologic DMARDs, for example, Humira or Enbrel, have been rarely associated with cancers such as lymphoma or melanoma.

Does sulfasalazine suppress the immune system?

Sulfasalazine may suppress your immune system by lowering white blood cell counts. Serious or fatal infections can occur. If you come down with signs or symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, paleness, sore throat, mouth sores, redness or swelling, contact your doctor right away.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/sulfasalazine.html#side-effects
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6260/sulfasalazine-oral/details
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682204.html