Sulfasalazine delayed release tablets

What is this medicine?

SULFASALAZINE (sul fa SAL a zeen) is for ulcerative colitis and certain types of rheumatoid arthritis.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow the tablets whole. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• fever, chills, or any other sign of infection

• painful, difficult, or reduced urination

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe stomach pain

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• orange color to the urine

• reduced sperm count

What may interact with this medicine?

• digoxin

• folic acid

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• blood disorders or anemia

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

• intestinal obstruction

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• porphyria

• urinary tract obstruction

• an unusual reaction to sulfasalazine, sulfa drugs, salicylates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood and urine checks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you see the tablet in your stools. Your body may not be absorbing the medicine.