Compare methotrexate vs. Sulfasalazine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Otrexup (methotrexate)

Prescription only

Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)

Prescription only
Reduces inflammation and cell replication.

Otrexup (methotrexate) is the first-choice treatment for many types of cancer and arthritis, but it has many side effects.

Reduces inflammation.

Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) is used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory bowel conditions. It's also used with other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Upsides
  • Otrexup (methotrexate) is available as an affordable generic form.
  • Otrexup (methotrexate) comes as a tablet, an injection that you give yourself, or an infusion that you get in the doctor's office or infusion center.
  • Can slow down the progression of your rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Helps control your stomach problems if you're taking it for ulcerative colitis.
Downsides
  • You may need frequent blood tests for monitoring when taking Otrexup (methotrexate).
  • Otrexup (methotrexate) can cause serious birth defects so women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 6 month and men 3 months after taking it.
  • While on Otrexup (methotrexate), you should avoid alcohol and staying out in the sun for too long.
  • Requires constant lab monitoring, at least every other week when you first start using it.
  • Not a good option if you have kidney or liver disease.
  • If you're allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin, you can't take Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine).
  • Can interfere with lab test results, so let your doctor know if you're taking this drug.
  • Interacts with a lot of different drugs and can also cause many side effects.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$473.70
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Lowest price
$187.73
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Abnormal liver function tests
    14%
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
    11%
  • Mouth inflammation and sores
    2%
  • Low white blood count
    2%
See more detailed side effects
8possible side effects
  • Nausea
    19%
  • Stomach problems
    13%
  • Rash
    13%
  • Headache
    9%
  • Stomach pain
    8%
  • Vomiting
    8%
  • Fever
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Worsening side-effects
    • Reduced kidney function
    • fluid in the abdomen
    • fluid in the lungs
  • Use of NSAIDs
    • NSAIDS
    • High dose of methotrexate
  • Liver problems
    • Long-term use
    • Psoriasis
  • Lung problems
  • Diarrhea and mouth sores
    • Taking Otrexup (methotrexate) with high-dose NSAIDs
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
    • Rapidly growing tumors
  • Skin reactions
  • Infections
  • White blood cell cancer
  • Skin and bone tissue deterioration
    • Radiotherapy
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Kidney, liver, or blood problems
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Serious infections
  • Drug interactions
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Otrexup (methotrexate)
Learn more about Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)