What is Azulfidine?
Azulfidine can be used to reduce the number of UC episodes and treat ulcerative colitis. It will not heal ulcerative colitis but can help reduce the number of attacks.Azulfidine can also be used for rheumatoid arthritis in both children and adults.Azulfidine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Azulfidine
If you experience symptoms of an allergy (hives), difficulty breathing (swelling in the face and throat), or severe skin reactions (fever or burning, sore eyes, pain on your skin, or red, purple, or blistered skin with peeling or blistering), seek emergency medical attention.If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rash or hives, fever, swelling of the glands or muscles, weakness, or unusual bruises.
Symptoms that demand immediate medical intervention.
- Fever, chills, and sore throat
- Red or swollen gingiva;
- Pale skin, easily bruising or bleeding, abnormal bleeding
- Chest discomfort, a dry cough, or wheezing
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Fever, headache, and nausea.
- A skin rash is a rash on the body, regardless of how mild it may be.
- You may experience nausea and vomiting when taking Azulfidine for the first time.
- Urine that is foamy or little in quantity;
- Weight gain, puffy eyelids, ankle swelling, or weight gain
- Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Azulfidine can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting; loss of appetite
- Headache;
- Rash;
- Low sperm counts in men
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warning
You shouldn't use Azulfidine, however, if your condition is porphyria or you are allergic to Sulfa drugs, aspirin, or other similar medications called salicylates.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to Azulfidine or have any of the following:
- A blockage of your bladder or intestines
- Porphyria is a disorder of the genetic enzyme that can cause symptoms in the skin and nervous system.
- An allergy sulfa drug;
- An allergy to salicylates or aspirin (including Nuprin Backache Caplet and other products such as kneerelief Formula, Pamprin Cramp Formula Pepto Bismol, Tricosal Trilisate, etc.)
If you've ever:
- Frequent infections
- Asthma;
- Low blood cell counts
- Liver or kidney disease
Inform your doctor that you're pregnant. Azulfidine may make it difficult for your body to absorb folate. Folate helps to prevent birth defects in the spine or brain of your baby. If you are pregnant and taking this medication, you may have to supplement with folic acid. You should follow your doctor's advice.Sulfasalazine may pass through breast milk, causing bloody or diarrheal stools for a baby who is nursing. Informing your doctor of your breastfeeding status is vitally important.Azulfidine should not be used by children under 2 years of age.
How to take Azulfidine?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.After eating, take Azulfidine.Do not chew or crush the tablet.Medical tests will be required frequently.Take Azulfidine with plenty of fluids. This will help your kidneys work properly.Azulfidine may affect certain tests. Inform any physician who treats you about your use of this medication.Azulfidine can cause orange-yellow coloration in your urine or skin. If you have brown urine or stomach pain, call your doctor. These symptoms could be the telltale tell of liver disease.Do not discontinue any other medications you take for arthritis until you have been told to by your doctor. Azulfidine might not immediately improve your symptoms, so you'll still need to take your other medications for a while.Azulfidine may be part of an overall treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis, which could also include physical therapy and rest. You should follow your doctor's advice.Keep away from heat and moisture. Keep it at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, or seizures.
Avoid this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Azulfidine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
