SFZ
SFZ Products are primarily used for
Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
About SFZ Products
Uses of SFZ Products
Sulfasalazine is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis.
SFZ Products side effects
Common
Side Effects of SFZ are Headache, Nausea, Oligospermia (low sperm count), Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Decreased white blood cell count, Dizziness, Fever, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Itching, Joint pain, Photosensitivity, Protein in urine, Rash, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Taste change, Dyspepsia.
How SFZ Products work
Sulfasalazine 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).
Patient Concerns about SFZ Products
Frequently asked questions about SFZ Products
Frequently asked questions about Sulfasalazine
Q. Is SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet a steroid or a painkiller?
SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet 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).
Q. What is SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet and what is it used for?
SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet 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.
Q. I have been prescribed SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet for rheumatoid arthritis. When can I expect the pain in joints to be better?
SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet 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 SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet, 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.
Q. For how long do I need to take SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet?
If you are able to tolerate SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet which means the side effects do not bother you, then you have to continue SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet till the disease remains in remission. It is better to take SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet for the prescribed period.
Q. Does the use of SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet for the treatment of arthritis affect the kidney function?
Though it is uncommon, SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet may affect your kidney function. Therefore, it is important that your kidney function remains normal before you start taking SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet. If during treatment with SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet your kidney functions become abnormal, you should consult your doctor.
Q. Do I need to get any blood tests done while on SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet 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.
Q. Can SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet affect my fertility?
Decreased sperm count and infertility have been reported in some males. These may disappear once SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet is discontinued.
Q. Can I take azathioprine along with SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet?
You should avoid using SFZ DS 1000mg Tablet with azathioprine since there are chances of decrease in blood cell count, which can be a serious side effect.