Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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confoosed 08/11/2014

Hi all. Me again.

My doctor was trying to taper me up on sulfasalazine. One pill a day for a week, then one pill twice a day for a week, etc. I made it to one pill twice a day, then had the WORST abdominal pain I have ever had, but many hours (8?) after the second dose. I stopped taking it... but, darn it. I don't want to. I want something else to work. My rheumy said to just stop taking it, but I know there's a coated version. I just want to feel better.

I was thinking of giving it a second chance.

Has anyone tried sulfasalazine and had stomach issues? Thoughts?

journeythru 08/11/2014

I was on it for two years and had to stop because of stomach pain. That's when my Rhuemy switched me to the weekly injections of Methotrexate. I've been on MTX a couple of years. It does work, but started to not be as effective, so she added Xeljanz. I haven't been on Xeljanz very long, and only every other day. it really hurts my stomach, but that is just me. i know other people that do not have problems with it. it does seem to help with pain. If I have to stop the MTX for an infection, etc, I can barely walk. It has helped me the most.

tootsiesmom 08/12/2014

Hi Confoosed,
Sulfasalazine was the first med my doc started me on. I was on it for about 4 months or so. It didn't do a whole lot to help me and I never got over the stomach issues.
He switched me to Arava and I have done much better on it. I have been on it for about 2.5 years now. He did add Enbrel about a year and a half ago to the mix.
Arava also has potential stomach/diarrhea issues, but I am lucky and only have issues about twice a month. That I can live with.
I hope all else is going well for you.
Kim

deleted_user 08/12/2014

I'm worried about this myself because Dr said he might start me on sulfasalazine at my next visit. My stomach is "touchy" but he said he will give me the coated version. Hope I can tolerate this.

confoosed 08/12/2014

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

I am also on plaquenil and prednisone. My rheumy was trying to add on sulfasalazine, to improve things. I wonder if Arava is next.

Kathy, I definitely understand your concern. I would say try the sulfasalazine. You never know... I have heard from multiple people that plaquenil makes your hair fall out. It isn't true for me.

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