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Sulfasalazine Help

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Posted 12/8/2007 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I swichted from Asacol to this about a month ago because I no longer have health Insurance and Asacol was just more than I could afford. Now after about a month on Sulfaalazine I noticed a lot of what looks like big Mosquito bites on both my upper arms, my back, my shoulders, my neck, and on my head. Could this be from this med? Also, my mouth is kinda sore, and all my fingertips feel tingely. Just looking to see if this might be some type of reaction from this medication. And if it is, any ideas on what other med I might be able to try that I could afford?
Thanks in advance.
Posted 12/8/2007 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Allergies to sulfa drugs are very common. Yes, what you describe could be an allergic reaction to the medication. You should call your GI as soon as possible, if you haven't already. If your doctor prescribes Prednisone to take away the rash, seriously think twice about that. You don't want to start the whole cycle of taking steriods if you don't have to.

My reaction to Sulfasalazine looked like red spots all over my body... I stupidly when to my internist not my GI and she thought I might have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever! Fortunately, her second theory was sulfa allergy, which turned out to be correct.

I'm really sorry to hear that you don't have health insurance. I know how much that sucks. Here are a few ideas:
* comparison shop for drugs. Different pharmacies charge different amounts.
* You can get a 90-day supply for cheaper at some of the major pharmacy chains.
* There are a number of different brands of Asacol (I think) and a bunch of similar drugs. Maybe you can find the one that is the cheapest and will still work for you. I don't know if there are generics of any of these.
* Ask your doctor for free samples. Some doctors are very cool about this. (Every once and a while a doctor will make you feel bad about asking. Don't let them. It's perfectly normal when the drugs are so darn expensive and you don't have insurance!)
* Canada. I don't know the legal issues about importing drugs, but I know the drugs are cheaper there in general and you can order online.

Was the Asacol working for you before you switched? If so, I'd talk to your doctor and find out if s/he has any creative suggestions for getting you the drug more cheaply.

Good Luck.
Posted 12/8/2007 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
There might even be an drug assistance program through the company.  It sounds like a pretty bad reaction, have you stopped taking it?

Posted 12/8/2007 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
I suggest you call your GI. It sounds like you are having an allergic reaction. I went on Sulfasalazine for exactly the same reason a couple of years ago. My hubby lost his job and Colazal was way too expensive. I had an allergic reaction to Sulfasalazine (mine was a migraine).
Posted 12/9/2007 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I stoped taking it yesterday. I will call my GI on Monday. I already have an appt that was set for x-mas eve anyway. Does anyone know how/where I would/could order Asacol from Canada? The Asacol was working great for me for the past 8yrs. I thought this stuff was going to be just as good, but not at this expense. Any help would be great. Thanks
Posted 12/9/2007 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I agree, sounds like an allergic reaction. I am also allergic to sulfa and I broke out in big red hives that were similar to bug bites from a sulfa wash for my skin. If you GI isn't in on the weekends, and your PCP is give them a call and ask them what they think.
Posted 12/9/2007 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
I broke out with red spots all over my stomach when I took sulfa, Dr. said it was allergic reaction, had to stop taking it. you can get assistance with asacal if you contact the company. They go by your income and how many people in the household.This is the number I use 1-800-830-9049. They can give you all the info you need on it.
Posted 12/9/2007 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the help and advise. I am taking Benadryl now to try and stop it from getting any worse. Any idea on how long it takes to clear up?
Posted 12/9/2007 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
If it's from the sulfasalazine, it will continue if you keep taking it (I would think), regardless of taking the antihistamine.

q
Posted 12/9/2007 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no, I stoped taking it 2 days ago. I'm hoping it goes away soon
Posted 12/9/2007 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
that's good...the beadryl should help. If it doesn't, then it's something else going on. If it's allergy, you should see some improvement within a day for sure.

Let us know how you're doing.
q
Posted 12/10/2007 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
It's great that Potty Girl can offer you such specific advice on restoring your Asacol connection: take it! Sulfasalazine made me very photosensitive; it is not the right drug to be on for UC if one has bad reactions to it. My gastro also recommends that patients contact the drug manufacturer for financial assistance if they cannot afford the med prescribed. It's outrageous that any IBD patient has to go thru hassles like this!!!!!! Good luck in finding a better solution to your dilemma. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily; seem to be back in remission)

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