WHAT IS Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine TABLETS?

Azulfidine/SULFASALAZINE is used to treat ulcerative colitis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• fever, chills, or any other sign of infection
• painful, difficult, or reduced urination
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• severe stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting
• loss of appetite
• orange color to the urine
• headache
• reduced sperm count

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a 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.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• intestinal obstruction
• porphyria
• an unusual reaction to Azulfidine/sulfasalazine, sulfa drugs, salicylates, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• urinary tract obstruction
• kidney disease
• blood disorders or anemia
• breast-feeding
• liver disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• asthma
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood and urine checks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine?

• folic acid
• Digitek/digoxin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Azulfidine/Sulfasalazine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.