Azulfidine Tablets
Chemical Name: AZULFIDINE SULFASALAZINE (sul-fa-SAL-a-zeen)
Common uses of Azulfidine
This medicine is a sulfonamide used to treat
ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and
rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to
treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Before using Azulfidine
Some medicines or medical conditions may
interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE
OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
methotrexate. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about using this
medicine. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN
under 3 years old is not recommended. Please
talk with your doctor about risks and
benefits before giving this medicine to your
child.
Azulfidine Directions
Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS
MEDICINE WITH FOOD and a full glass of
water. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are
taking this medicine is recommended. Check
with your doctor or nurse for instructions.
SPACE YOUR DOSES EVENLY over each 24 hour
period. If possible, try not to space any
dose more than 8 hours from the next dose.
STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and
light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE,
take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Azulfidine Cautions
TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST IF YOU ARE
ALLERGIC to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
before taking this medicine. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE
ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine
containing aspirin. A severe reaction
includes a severe rash, hives, breathing
difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a
question about whether you are allergic to
this medicine, contact your doctor or
pharmacist. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY
APPOINTMENTS while you are using this
medicine. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you
are taking this medicine is recommended.
Check with your doctor or nurse for
instructions. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE
increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid
exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you
know how you react to this medicine. Use a
sunscreen or protective clothing if you must
be outside for a prolonged period. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE a harmless, yellow-orange
discoloration of the urine or skin. IF YOU
EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing or tightness
of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or
lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your
doctor immediately and before taking any
more of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT
BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects of Azulfidine
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during
treatment, include nausea, mild abdominal
discomfort or pain, mild diarrhea, loss of
appetite, or vomiting. If they continue or
are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Rarely, this medicine can cause serious,
even fatal, side effects such as a severe
peeling skin rash known as Stevens-Johnson
syndrome, blood disorders (e.g.,
agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver
damage. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if
you experience skin rash or blisters,
unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or
fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine,
or abdominal pain. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience tightness
of chest, difficulty breathing, severe
headache, or itching. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Azulfidine
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,
drowsiness, and seizures.
Additional Azulfidine information
If
your symptoms do not improve within a few
weeks or if they become worse, check with
your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with
others for whom it was not prescribed. DO
NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
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