Stopped Medication; Good decision?

I am currently on vacation. I don't know if it's the extremely hot weather (something I am not used to) or the introduction of this new medication but my health has gone downhill. I was on budesonide enema and then the doctor changed me to sulphasalazine the day I was going to leave for vacation. I've been taking these tablets 8 times daily (2 tab, 4 times daily) for about 5 days now and I honestly cannot function properly. I get the most insane headaches over my forehead, the back of my head, over my eyes, down my nose. I've started to bleed again and my eyes look bloodshot. I think I'm having some type of bad reaction to this medication. I have been taking Advil to deal with the headaches, which has been working quite well but I know now that I am not supposed to be taking Advil with any 5 ASA. Today I took my 2 tab of sulphasalazine in the morning and found myself with the worst headache ever! I skipped out on the other 3 times I was supposed to take the medication and instead took an Advil and I feel so much better. Did I do the right thing? Even my bowel movement are a lot less painful without the sulphasalazine. I leave from my vacation in 2 days and it is going to take about 2 days to get back home. I am in a different country so I cannot get a hold of my doctor from here. I plan on not taking the medication for the 4 days. I don't want to do some serious damage to myself so I am asking for your opinion. Like I mentioned before, I've been taking this medication for 5 days and from the way I see it, it has done more bad than good. Thank you for reading.

Thanks for your replies. @notsosicklygirl, unfortunately I did not bring the enemas and I really regret that. It's either the sulphasalazine or nothing at all. Thanks for your advice on the Advil. I'll go pick up some Tylenol from the local drugstore. :)

I'm going home this Friday morning and it's going to take me about 2 days to get home. I tapered off of the prednisone around mid-June.

Gosh, I feel for you!

I was on sulfasalazine years ago, and I believe my GI started me out on a tiny dose and then gradually increased it (1) in case I had reactions, as you describe and (2) to hopefully desensitize me so I could tolerate the medication. So.... if you decide to try the sulfasal. again, maybe one pill a day to start...?

Asacol was such a wonderful thing when it came out because it doesn't contain the sulfa component, which is what most people were allergic to. (For those without sensitivities, the sulfasalazine is much cheaper and can address some arthritis issues as well... not a bad med, really.)

Please, watch out with the Advil? It can cause UC-like symptoms in non-UCers. And once when I was on vacation years ago I took it pretty much round the clock for a few days for a back spasm - and went into a really nasty, bloody flare. So.... I'd be very cautious, and be observant of how your body is doing!

I second what Quincy said - some probiotics and some gentle fiber might help.
Hang in there!

Ugh Just Ugh said...
I am really perplexed by your doctor.

Why is that?

sulfasalasine is prescribed as a generic for UC, CD and AS with periphereal joint affectation. Much cheaper too.

Yes, it's a hard drug, (it was for me too - could not handle the 3 g/day dose more than 3 months) but not for all. I have a cousin who is on it for his AS for more than 2 years and i know someone who is on it for about 10 years.

I also know people who cannot afford the 5-asa's and they use sulfasalasine because they have no other option.

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions. I really appreciate them! @ quincy - Thanks for your advice. You've been so helpful at countless times; I really appreciate it. In terms of probiotics, is that the stuff that you find in the yogurt drinks like Dan Active?@ Songlady - I'm going to buy some Tylenol or something else that can help with the headaches. Hopefully Tylenol is OK. @ Ugh Just Ugh - My doctor has a tendency to not taper me off things too well. The first time I was tapering off prednisone I was at 15 mg and then she suddenly told me to stop and I had some horrible side effects. I'm going to have to talk to her about this. When I tell her about the side effects she tells me "it's normal."

Where would I find the best probiotics? Should I go to somewhere like Nutrition House?

Thanks again! I'll go find that once I get home. For now I picked up some random probiotic stuff from Walmart. I don't think theres a Nutrition House or anything of that sort around here. Thanks again! :) I have another question if you don't mind answering. Have you noticed a difference in your health since starting the probiotics or is it more of a preventative measure?

Thank you, KiWi44! I will be adding probiotics to my regular diet :)