Hi Andy, I have been on Sulphasalazine for many years (along with an anti-inflam) I struggled at first with it but after some months I got to grips with it. I don't think it takes PsA away but helps keep it under control....until a flare up occurs. I still have pain but it is not as bad as it was before taking Sulpha...sorry it's not better news but if there is one thing I have learned by being on here, it's that what helps one individual may not help another. PsA is a difficult illness to treat so there are a range of medicines out there. Fortunately this means if Sulpha doesn't help as much as it should then there are alternatives. I wish you all the best in the mean time...and keep my fingers crossed for you that the Sulpha works
I have been on Sulfasalazine for about a year. The Mtx does not seem to do much for me. I am still on it because my Rheumy insists that I would be worse without it. The Slfzn does help reduce my swelling. You must drink plenty of water.
I am also on Embrel which I started two months ago. My Rheumy said he would decrease my other medication of Mtx and Slfzn after 3 or 4 months on Embrel. I also take a tablet to protect my stomach either Nexium or Salpraz depends on whether the Rheumy prescribes it or my local doctor.
I am on 2 X 2 a day.
No side effects other than bright yellow urine if I don't drink enough water. No weight loss either!
Maybe we’re not seeing many people on this forum stating that Sulfasalazine works, because the people it works for are typically not seeking out information on forums. They have found their solution and are going on with their lives.
That goes for any drug.
I really do believe that everyone has their own cocktail of drugs and lifestyle habits which affect their disease in their own way. You’ve just got to find the mix that works for you.
I know that can be exhausting, because a decent trial of any drug or change in habit needs at least 3 months of devotion in my opinion.
But prevention is worth it, and you do deserve relief, so keep at it and have hope.
I started taking Sulfasalisine about 3 months ago when I had to go off Mtx due to side effects. So far the sulfa meds are working fine but the doc told me it takes about 6 months for it to really start to work.
I don't have much pain though I did have a flare up in a new finger a few weeks ago. Thanks to my doc it's better today after a cortisone shot.
I haven't had any side effects with the sulfa meds. I do find that I need to drink a decent amount of water when I take it to help keep from getting nauseated. I also had trouble increasing the dose at first....had a bit of upset stomach but I found once my body got used to it it's ok. I'm on the full, 2 in morning and 2 in afternoon doses. So far so good.
I find it much better than Mtx at this point.
Hello all,
My doc put me on this medication and I barely lasted 2 weeks. I developed an allergic reaction after a few days. I had a wicked rash all over my face and ended up at a dermatologist. I stopped taking the meds myself then called the dr. I think it is sulfa based drug.
It's pretty obvious everyone is different so you never know. Sulfa meds help some and some not. Some have side effects some don't. Same thing with Mtx....it just depends on you. You never know till you try and see. I really hope it helps.
I am on sulfasalazine 500mg 2 tablets 2 times a day and diflunisal 500mg 1 tablet 2 times a day. It took a little bit to really see any improvement, but finally I went about a year pain free. I have now been on them probably 3 years now. May pain is minimal. I occasionally have swelling, which I take 5mg of prednisone for that when needed. The year pain free allowed me to work out regularly and lose a noticeable amount of weight. I still go to the gym for 3 days an hour to an hour and a half each day. Makes a bit difference for me.
Since I posted this discussion, I have stopped the sulfasalazine and MTX. I was doing ok but I was having pain severe enough that I had to take pain medication. On December 7, I started Enbrel and it is working great for me. Much less pain and stiffness.