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What Are The Side Effects Of SAAZ Taken For AS?
Question: Sir I'm suffering from AS, Dr. Prescribed me SAAZ 500 mg, how long we can take it, & what is the side effects of this drug, can it be taken with other medicine like hypertension medicine etc
Brief Answer:
Initially it is given for 4-6 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Pandey, Hi
Thanks for posting your query on Health care magic.
I can understand your concern regarding the safety of SAAZ prescribed for Ankylosing spndylitis.
1. SAAZ (Sulfasalazine) is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) which not only reduces the pain and inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis but also retards the ongoing disease process.
Since ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune (due to production of antibodies against own cells like that of joints) chronic inflammatory condition of the joints (spine) the treatment is usually given for a longer period of time.
Intially, SAAZ is usually prescribed for a period of 4-6 weeks to check its efficacy.
2. Generally it is a safe medication, however it may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, leukopenia (decreased white blood cells count), megaloblastic anemia, and allergic reaction (rash or itching) due to its sulfur content.
3. Regarding its safety while taking medications for high BP, can you please give the name of medicine used to treat hypertension so as to give the opinion.
Awaiting your reply.
Best regards.
Initially it is given for 4-6 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Pandey, Hi
Thanks for posting your query on Health care magic.
I can understand your concern regarding the safety of SAAZ prescribed for Ankylosing spndylitis.
1. SAAZ (Sulfasalazine) is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) which not only reduces the pain and inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis but also retards the ongoing disease process.
Since ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune (due to production of antibodies against own cells like that of joints) chronic inflammatory condition of the joints (spine) the treatment is usually given for a longer period of time.
Intially, SAAZ is usually prescribed for a period of 4-6 weeks to check its efficacy.
2. Generally it is a safe medication, however it may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, leukopenia (decreased white blood cells count), megaloblastic anemia, and allergic reaction (rash or itching) due to its sulfur content.
3. Regarding its safety while taking medications for high BP, can you please give the name of medicine used to treat hypertension so as to give the opinion.
Awaiting your reply.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Hypertension medicine is Betanicardia 50 BD , & how long we can take SAAZ, can it be taken regularly 3 -4 years is there any known side effects.
Brief Answer:
SAAZ can be taken along with Beta-Nicardia.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Pandey, Hi
Thanks for your reply.
1. There is no documented harmful interaction between SAAZ and Beta-Nicardia (Atenolol+Nifedipine) hence it can be taken together.
2. Since SAAZ usually takes between 1-3 months to notice any improvement in the symptoms after starting, the maximum response will be seen only after 4-6 weeks of therapy. If you can tolerate the dose the duration of treatment may be for a prolonged duration depending upon the response.
3. The known side effects are stomach upset which can be minimized by taking an enteric (or stomach-coated) tablet. This form of SAAZ should not be crushed or chewed.
4. During the course of treatment you may be asked to undergo certain lab tests such as CBC to detect leukopenia or megaloblastic anemia which are less common.
Hope I could answer your query.
Regards.
SAAZ can be taken along with Beta-Nicardia.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Pandey, Hi
Thanks for your reply.
1. There is no documented harmful interaction between SAAZ and Beta-Nicardia (Atenolol+Nifedipine) hence it can be taken together.
2. Since SAAZ usually takes between 1-3 months to notice any improvement in the symptoms after starting, the maximum response will be seen only after 4-6 weeks of therapy. If you can tolerate the dose the duration of treatment may be for a prolonged duration depending upon the response.
3. The known side effects are stomach upset which can be minimized by taking an enteric (or stomach-coated) tablet. This form of SAAZ should not be crushed or chewed.
4. During the course of treatment you may be asked to undergo certain lab tests such as CBC to detect leukopenia or megaloblastic anemia which are less common.
Hope I could answer your query.
Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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