Examples
Sulfasalazine is a combination of salicylic acid (the
active ingredient in aspirin) and an antibiotic, sulfapyridine.
Why It Is Used
Sulfasalazine is considered a
second-line treatment for JIA. Its use is reserved for children with JIA who do
not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or
methotrexate. Children who are allergic to sulfa medicines or salicylates
cannot use this medicine.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine your child takes. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with the medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after your child takes the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother your child and you wonder if he or she should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower the dose or change the medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your child has:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if your child has:
- Hives.
- Aching joints.
- A continuing headache.
- Itching or a rash.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight.
- Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Children with
systemic JIA are most likely to experience severe side
effects, so they are not treated with sulfasalazine.2
Positive effects from
sulfasalazine treatment can take 1 to 3 months to become apparent, which is
faster than some other second-line medicines.2
Sulfasalazine is considered safer, but is generally less effective, than
methotrexate. A child who can't take or hasn't responded to first-line NSAID
treatment or to methotrexate may be given sulfasalazine.
Your doctor may recommend a
complete blood count (CBC) every 6 to 12 months when
using sulfasalazine.
Your child may be sensitive to sunlight while taking sulfasalazine. Have your child use sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. If your child takes medicine as your doctor suggests, it will improve your child's health and may prevent future problems. If your child doesn't take the medicines properly, his or her health (and perhaps life) may be at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Hashkes PJ, Laxer RM (2005). Medical treatment of
juvenile ideopathic arthritis. JAMA, 294(13):
1671–1684.
- Giannini EH, Brunner HI (2005). Treatment of juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis. In WJ Koopman, LW Moreland, eds., Arthritis and Allied Conditions, 15th ed., vol. 1, pp.
1301–1318. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 5, 2012 |
|---|
Hashkes PJ, Laxer RM (2005). Medical treatment of
juvenile ideopathic arthritis. JAMA, 294(13):
1671–1684.
Giannini EH, Brunner HI (2005). Treatment of juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis. In WJ Koopman, LW Moreland, eds., Arthritis and Allied Conditions, 15th ed., vol. 1, pp.
1301–1318. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.