Azulfidine
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Azulfidine is used to treat bowel inflammation, diarrhea (stool frequency), rectal
bleeding, and abdominal pain in patients with ulcerative colitis, a condition in which the
bowel is inflamed. Azulfidine delayed-release (Azulfidine EN-tabs) is also used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children whose disease has not responded well to other
medications. Azulfidine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory drugs. It
works by reducing inflammation (swelling) inside the body.
Before taking Azulfidine,
- tell your doctor if you are allergic to Azulfidine, sulfapyridine, aspirin, choline
magnesium trisalicylate (Triosal, Trilisate), choline salicylate (Arthropan), mesalamine
(Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa), salsalate (Argesic-SA, Disalcid, Salgesic, others), sulfa
drugs, trisalicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate),or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), folic acid, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, kidney or liver disease,
porphyria, blood problems, or blockage in your intestine or urinary tract.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking Azulfidine, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective
clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Azulfidine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What side effects can Azulfidine cause?
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| Although side effects from Azulfidine are not common,
they can occur. Azulfidine causes temporary infertility in males. Fertility returns when
the medicine is stopped. It can also cause your urine or skin to turn yellowish-orange;
this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not
go away:
- diarrhea
- headache
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking Azulfidine and call your doctor
immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling
- sore throat
- fever
- joint or muscle aches
- pale or yellow skin
- difficulty swallowing
- tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- weakness
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