SSN 500 Tablet DR
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Rhumasafe Pharmaceutical |
| Active Ingredient | Sulfasalazine (500mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Aminosalicylic Acids Derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs)- Non biologics |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 463 |
FAQ
I have been prescribed SSN 500 Tablet DR for rheumatoid arthritis. When can I expect the pain in joints to be better?
SSN 500 Tablet DR does not work right away. It takes about 6 to 12 weeks to deliver the full effect.You may start feeling better in 4 weeks after starting SSN 500 Tablet DR, but it can vary from person to person and some of the patients may notice improvement after 3 months. Consumption of medicine should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
What is SSN 500 Tablet DR and what is it used for?
SSN 500 Tablet DR belongs to a group of medicines called aminosalicylates. It is an anti-inflammatory disease and is used to treat bowel inflammation, diarrhea (stool frequency), rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, it helps prevent damage to the joints and works slowly to reduce swelling and stiffness in your joints.
Is SSN 500 Tablet DR a steroid or a painkiller?
SSN 500 Tablet DR is neither a steroid nor a painkiller. It is an anti-inflammatory medicine. It is used to treat and manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in which the intestines become inflamed (swelling of intestines). It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (painful joint disease).
For how long do I need to take SSN 500 Tablet DR?
If you are able to tolerate SSN 500 Tablet DR which means the side effects do not bother you, then you have to continue SSN 500 Tablet DR till the disease remains in remission. It is better to take SSN 500 Tablet DR for the prescribed period.
Does the use of SSN 500 Tablet DR for the treatment of arthritis affect the kidney function?
Though it is uncommon, SSN 500 Tablet DR may affect your kidney function. Therefore, it is important that your kidney function remains normal before you start taking SSN 500 Tablet DR. If during treatment with SSN 500 Tablet DR your kidney functions become abnormal, you should consult your doctor.
Do I need to get any blood tests done while on SSN 500 Tablet DR therapy?
Your doctor will advise you blood tests to check your blood cell counts and your kidney function before starting your treatment and regularly during treatment. The tests should also be done to measure substances produced by your liver known as enzymes (liver function tests) and urine for protein and blood before you start treatment and at regular intervals.
Can SSN 500 Tablet DR affect my fertility?
Decreased sperm count and infertility have been reported in some males. These may disappear once SSN 500 Tablet DR is discontinued.
Can I take azathioprine along with SSN 500 Tablet DR?
You should avoid using SSN 500 Tablet DR with azathioprine since there are chances of decrease in blood cell count, which can be a serious side effect.
What if you forget to take SSN Tablet DR?
If you miss a dose of SSN 500 Tablet DR, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
SSN 500 Tablet DR Reviews
SSN 500 Tablet DR is a medicine used to treat various inflammatory conditions of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), skin (psoriasis), and bowel (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease).
SSN 500 Tablet DR is to be taken with food. This will help you prevent an upset stomach. You should take it regularly and at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. Keep taking it as recommended by your doctor and complete the dose even if you feel better. Taking it with plenty of water can help you avoid kidney problems such as kidney stones.
Using this medicine may cause some common side effects such as nausea, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. You should consult with your doctor if any of these side effects do resolve with time or get worse. Your doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To make sure the medicine is safe for you, before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any problem with your heart, kidneys, or liver. Also, tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver functions, and blood components. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctors before taking the medicine.
SSN 500 Tablet DR is to be taken with food. This will help you prevent an upset stomach. You should take it regularly and at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. Keep taking it as recommended by your doctor and complete the dose even if you feel better. Taking it with plenty of water can help you avoid kidney problems such as kidney stones.
Using this medicine may cause some common side effects such as nausea, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. You should consult with your doctor if any of these side effects do resolve with time or get worse. Your doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To make sure the medicine is safe for you, before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any problem with your heart, kidneys, or liver. Also, tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver functions, and blood components. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctors before taking the medicine.
How SSN 500 Tablet DR Works
SSN 500 Tablet DR is a Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drug (DMARD). It works by suppressing the overactivity of the immune system in autoimmune diseases and blocks the chemical messengers that cause inflammation (swelling).
How to Use SSN 500 Tablet DR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. SSN 500 Tablet DR is to be taken with food.
Benefits of SSN 500 Tablet DR
- In Treatment of Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some individuals with psoriasis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness alongside skin symptoms. SSN 500 Tablet DR has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. This medicine can also slow down the progression of joint damage associated with PsA. Additionally, it can help improve skin symptoms in individuals with both psoriasis and arthritis.
- In Treatment of Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the intestines. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and pain in your abdomen. SSN 500 Tablet DR helps reduce the inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and prevent them from coming back.
- In Treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare type of arthritis that affects the spine or larger joints. It usually starts in your lower back and can spread up to your neck or damage joints in other parts of your body. SSN 500 Tablet DR helps reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in your spine and joints. It helps improve flexibility and prevents disease progression. This will help you lead a better and active life.
- In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis: SSN 500 Tablet DR helps treat inflammation, pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the immune system response of the patient. It is given in the dose and frequency that suits your condition. This will be decided by the doctor. You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and let your doctor know if you have any bothersome side effects after taking this medicine.
- In Treatment of Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine (colon) and rectum in which the lining of the bowel becomes red and swollen. This can lead to bleeding, frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain. It relieves these symptoms and also helps you to stay well by preventing them from coming back. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking on treatment with this medicine to make sure you stay hydrated.
Uses of SSN 500 Tablet DR
- Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
- Treatment of Psoriatic arthritis
- Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
- Treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis
- Treatment of Crohn’s disease
SSN 500 Tablet DR Side Effects
Safety Tips
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
SSN 500 Tablet DR is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Kidney
CAUTION
SSN 500 Tablet DR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of SSN 500 Tablet DR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Driving
SAFE
SSN 500 Tablet DR does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
SSN 500 Tablet DR is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with SSN 500 Tablet DR.
Liver
UNSAFE
SSN 500 Tablet DR is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- It may discolour your skin, urine, saliva and tears an orange/yellow colour. This is normal and not harmful.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
- It may take 6-8 weeks for SSN 500 Tablet DR to work. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Regular blood tests to monitor your liver function, kidney function, and the levels of your blood components are required while taking this medicine.
- Do not take SSN 500 Tablet DR if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin.
- Drink plenty of fluids while taking SSN 500 Tablet DR in order to avoid kidney problems such as kidney stones.
- It may cause a deficiency of folic acid. Take the supplements as suggested by the doctor.
References
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- Sulfasalazine. Uppsala, Sweden: Recipharm, Uppsala; 2018.
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- Sulfasalazine. Sandwich, Kent: Pfizer Limited; 2010 [revised Feb. 2014].
- Choi J, Fenando A. Sulfasalazine. [Updated 2022 Nov 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
- Versus Arthritis. Sulfasalazine [Information Booklet].
- National Health Service. Sulfasalazine.
- Furst DE, Ulrich RW, Varkey-Altamirano C. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioids Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 632-33.
- Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals: NHS Trust. Sulfasalazine.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1295-97.