Sulfasalazine is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis (a chronic inflammatory condition that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the large intestine). This medication is prescribed as both a treatment for ulcerative colitis and a preventative measure against the painful symptoms that occur during a flare-up.

In addition to its use as a treatment for ulcerative colitis, sulfasalazine may be prescribed to adults or children who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and have not responded well to other medications.

Sulfasalazine is prescribed to treat and prevent symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes swelling and painful sores in the lining of the large intestine. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown (diet and stress aggravate but don’t cause ulcerative colitis), genetics and immune system malfunctions appear to play a role in its development.

Ulcerative colitis causes symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Rectal pain and bleeding
  
• Constipation
  
• Weight loss
  
• Fever
  
• Fatigue
  
• Urgent need to defecate
  

Sulfasalazine both prevents and minimizes these symptoms.

In addition to its use as a treatment for ulcerative colitis, sulfasalazine is prescribed to individuals who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and have not responded well to other forms of medication (such as NSAIDs).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the soft tissue in the joints. As this tissue is destroyed, the joints become damaged. In addition to joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis may also cause fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite.

Sulfasalazine has been shown to cause some side effects. If these mild reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking sulfasalazine include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Headache
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Discoloration of the skin
  
• Diarrhea
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. Call your doctor right away if you experience difficulty breathing, flu-like symptoms, swelling, dizziness, or a skin rash.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Sulfasalazine can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects.

The specific dosage of sulfasalazine will vary depending on your age and the condition being treated.

For treatment of ulcerative colitis: Adults are prescribed 500-1000 mg oral tablets to be taken every 6-8 hours. This dosage may increase up to 4000 mg per day.

For maintenance of ulcerative colitis symptoms: For maintenance of ulcerative colitis symptoms, adults are prescribed 2000 mg of sulfasalazine per day.

For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Adults are prescribed 500-1000 mg per day, to be divided into two doses. This dosage may increase up to 3000 mg per day.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of sulfasalazine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Sulfasalazine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not sulfasalazine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for sulfasalazine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.