Azulfidine
(Sulfasalazine)
Reduces inflammation.
Our bottom line
Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) is used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory bowel conditions. It's also used with other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (sulfasalazine)
Upsides
- Can slow down the progression of your rheumatoid arthritis.
- Helps control your stomach problems if you're taking it for ulcerative colitis.
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What to expect from Sulfasalazine, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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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What to expect from Sulfasalazine, on one page
Download Fact SheetAzulfidine (Sulfasalazine) is an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation and pain.
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (sulfasalazine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
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Pay as low as$186.54Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$188.45
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$192.19 - Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$193.31
What to expect when you take Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) for Ulcerative colitis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach problems
- Loss of appetite
- Reversible male infertility
Side effect rates for Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
- Nausea19%19%
- Stomach problems13%13%
- Rash13%13%
- Headache9%9%
- Stomach pain8%8%
- Vomiting8%8%
- Fever5%5%
- Dizziness4%4%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Sulfasalazine.
People taking Sulfasalazine felt side effect more
People taking Sulfasalazine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.You'll need to get complete blood counts done before starting Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine), and every other week during the first three months of treatment. Since kidney damage can occur, you'll also need a urinalysis and an assessment of your kidney function periodically during treatment. If you notice a sore throat, fever, pale or yellow skin, these may be caused by a serious blood problem or liver damage. Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms.
Common concerns from people taking Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- 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.
- Swallow Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) tablets whole, and take after a meal with a full glass of water. It's important to drink at least 6 glasses of water every day while using Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine).
- Not a good option if you have kidney or liver disease.