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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will Sulfazine Cause Harm To The Kidney?

I was recently discharged from the hospital after going thru a bout of acute colitis. We are waiting for biopsy results from tissue samples taken during a colonscopy. Areas of inflammation were present, but no ulcers were found. In the meantime, I was prescribed prednisone (1 week supply of 20mg tabs) and sulfazine 500mg. I am also taking 1mg folic acid supplement. My question is in regard to the sulfazine. I am a kidney donor (donated to my dad in 2010) and am concerned that taking the sulfazine will damage my only kidney. My creatine levels were 1.6 and my BUN was 13. I was originally supposed to recieve Mesalamine but my insurance did not cover it so they switched me to sulfazine. Should I be concerned about this?
Mon, 5 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Incomplete data like age, gender, duration of having the present problem??

Although less commonly seen, yes it may harm your kidneys.

Sulfazine (Sulfasalazine) is basically a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and commonly prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and many other types of arthritis.

It is also prescribed in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis which you seem to be suffering from.

Its most common side effects include nausea, headache, and decreased appetite. It can also cause reversible low sperm count, the numbers of white blood cells (which are needed to fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help to stop bleeding).

Although less common it may cause liver dysfunction and kidney damage.

You need to have periodic follow up lab tests to detect the harmful effects on your liver, blood counts, or kidneys while taking Sulfazine.

Hope these answer your queries.



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Will Sulfazine Cause Harm To The Kidney?

Hi & Welcome. Incomplete data like age, gender, duration of having the present problem?? Although less commonly seen, yes it may harm your kidneys. Sulfazine (Sulfasalazine) is basically a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and commonly prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and many other types of arthritis. It is also prescribed in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis which you seem to be suffering from. Its most common side effects include nausea, headache, and decreased appetite. It can also cause reversible low sperm count, the numbers of white blood cells (which are needed to fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help to stop bleeding). Although less common it may cause liver dysfunction and kidney damage. You need to have periodic follow up lab tests to detect the harmful effects on your liver, blood counts, or kidneys while taking Sulfazine. Hope these answer your queries.