Azulfidine

Pfizer | Azulfidine (Medication)

Desc:

Azulfindine/sulfasalazine belongs to a class of medications called anti-inflammatory drugs that works by reducing inflammation (swelling) inside the body. This medication is used to treat bowel inflammation, fever, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain in patients with ulcerative colitis. ...

Side Effect:

Gastrointestinal disturbances frequently occur in patients taking sulfasalazine. Nausea, vomiting, gastric distress, and anorexia (loss of appetite) commonly occur. Azulfindine may cause the skin or the urine to change color. Development of an orange-yellow discoloration is no cause for concern.

Headache, allergic reactions, and photosensitivity (development of a rash when exposed to sunlight) may develop during sulfasalazine therapy and require medical attention. Some of the allergic reactions may progress from a rash to difficulty in swallowing, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, aching joints and muscles, and unusual tiredness or weakness. It may be accompanied by fever. The more severe allergic reactions are rare.

Several potentially dangerous side effects have been reported rarely with sulfasalazine. A drop in white blood cell count or a type of anemia in which red blood cells are disrupted (hemolyzed) may occur. These effects are characterized by fever, pale skin, sore throat, fatigue, and unusual bleeding and bruising, and require discontinuation of the drug. Liver failure, pancreatitis, and kidney failure also have been associated with sulfasalazine. ...

Precaution:

Prior to using this medication tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement or if you have any allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:liver or kidney problems, asthma, severe allergies, blood problems (eg, anemia, low white blood cell levels), or rheumatoid arthritis; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; an infection (eg, strep throat).

During pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended to use this medicine without your doctor's advice. ...