Sulfazine EC

Sulfazine EC Ingredients: Sulfasalazine
Representative Names: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs, Sulfazine EC

What is Sulfazine EC ?

Sulfazine EC is an anti-inflammatory agent. Sulfazine EC is used to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis. Sulfazine EC is also used to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Sulfazine EC works to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of these diseases. Generic Sulfazine EC tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take Sulfazine EC ?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma
•blood disorders or anemia
•glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
•intestinal obstruction
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•porphyria
•severe allergies
•urinary tract obstruction
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Sulfazine EC, sulfonamides, salicylates, sulfonylurea, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazide diuretics (water pills), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take Sulfazine EC ?

Take Sulfazine EC by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not suck or chew enteric-coated tablets. If Sulfazine EC upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your Sulfazine EC doses at regular intervals. Do not take Sulfazine EC more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Sulfazine EC in children. Special care may be needed. In general, children less than 2 years of age should not receive Sulfazine EC.

What if I miss a Sulfazine EC dose ?

If you miss a Sulfazine EC dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Sulfazine EC Interactions
What drug(s) may interact with Sulfazine EC ?

•digoxin
•female hormones, including contraceptives or birth control pills
•folic acid, vitamin B9
•fosphenytoin
•medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
•methotrexate
•other medicines that make you sensitive to the sun including some antibiotics, retinoinds (vitamin A analogs), or certain kinds of water pills (diuretics)
•phenytoin
•voriconazole
•warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Sulfazine EC works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking Sulfazine EC ?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•bloody diarrhea
•chest pain
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•difficulty swallowing
•fever, chills, or sore throat
•joint or muscle aches
•painful, difficult or reduced urination
•pale skin
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, itching
•stomach cramps or pain
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•discolored urine or skin (orange-yellow color)
•dizziness
•headache
•increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light
•indigestion
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•reduced sperm count (loss of male fertility)

What should I watch for while taking Sulfazine EC ?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. There is usually an improvement within a month. You may need about 6—12 weeks of treatment to get good results. It is important that you go on taking Sulfazine EC and only stop taking it on your prescriber's advice.

Sulfazine EC can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep Sulfazine EC out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

Sulfazine EC can cause blood problems. You will need to have your blood checked while you are taking Sulfazine EC. Notify your health care provider if you notice sores that do not heal, unusual bleeding or bruising, or get a cold that does not improve.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking Sulfazine EC.

Where can I keep Sulfazine EC ?

Keep Sulfazine EC out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.