SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Cucard Pharma
Active Ingredient Sulfasalazine (1000mg)
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical ClassAminosalicylic Acids Derivative
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassGASTRO INTESTINAL
Action ClassDisease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs)- Non biologics
User Rating4.4
User Reviews472

FAQ

Question
Can I take azathioprine along with SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR?
You should avoid using SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR with azathioprine since there are chances of decrease in blood cell count, which can be a serious side effect.
Answer

Question
Is SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR a steroid or a painkiller?
SSZ 1000mg 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).
Answer

Question
What is SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR and what is it used for?
SSZ 1000mg 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.
Answer

Question
For how long do I need to take SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR?
If you are able to tolerate SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR which means the side effects do not bother you, then you have to continue SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR till the disease remains in remission. It is better to take SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR for the prescribed period.
Answer

Question
I have been prescribed SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR for rheumatoid arthritis. When can I expect the pain in joints to be better?
SSZ 1000mg 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 SSZ 1000mg 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.
Answer

Question
Can SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR affect my fertility?
Decreased sperm count and infertility have been reported in some males. These may disappear once SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR is discontinued.
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Question
Does the use of SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR for the treatment of arthritis affect the kidney function?
Though it is uncommon, SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR may affect your kidney function. Therefore, it is important that your kidney function remains normal before you start taking SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR. If during treatment with SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR your kidney functions become abnormal, you should consult your doctor.
Answer

Question
Do I need to get any blood tests done while on SSZ 1000mg 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.
Answer
Question
What if you forget to take SSZ Tablet DR?
If you miss a dose of SSZ 1000mg 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.
Answer

SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR Reviews

SSZ 1000mg 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).

SSZ 1000mg 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 SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR Works

SSZ 1000mg 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 SSZ 1000mg 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. SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR is to be taken with food.

Benefits of SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR

  • 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. SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR helps reduce the inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and prevent them from coming back.
  • 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.
  • 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. SSZ 1000mg 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 Rheumatoid arthritis: SSZ 1000mg 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 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. SSZ 1000mg 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.

Uses of SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR

  • Treatment of Psoriatic arthritis
  • Treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
  • Treatment of Crohn’s disease
  • Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR Side Effects

Item form

Safety Tips

Driving  SAFE
SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Breast feeding  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
SSZ 1000mg 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 SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR.
Liver  UNSAFE
SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy  SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
SSZ 1000mg 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
SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.

Quick Tips

  • Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
  • Do not take SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin.
  • Regular blood tests to monitor your liver function, kidney function, and the levels of your blood components are required while taking this medicine.
  • Drink plenty of fluids while taking SSZ 1000mg 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.
  • It may take 6-8 weeks for SSZ 1000mg Tablet DR to work. Keep taking it as prescribed.
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
  • It may discolour your skin, urine, saliva and tears an orange/yellow colour. This is normal and not harmful.

References

  1. Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals: NHS Trust. Sulfasalazine.
  2. Sulfasalazine. Uppsala, Sweden: Recipharm, Uppsala; 2018.
  3. Versus Arthritis. Sulfasalazine [Information Booklet].
  4. National Health Service. Sulfasalazine.
  5. Choi J, Fenando A. Sulfasalazine. [Updated 2022 Nov 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
  6. 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.
  7. Sulfasalazine. Sandwich, Kent: Pfizer Limited; 2010 [revised Feb. 2014].
  8. 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.
  9. Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.
  10. Sulfasalazine. New York, New York: Pharmacia & Upjohn Co.; 2014.

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