Long-term usage and side-effect profile of sulphasalazine in rheumatoid arthritis.
In a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, sulphasalazine (SASP) was mainly given as a first-choice second-line agent. SASP resulted in a significantly better survival rate compared with hydroxychloroquine, which is also given as a first-choice agent. When the survival rate of SASP was compared with that of aurothioglucose, both given as second-choice agents, again, a statistically significant better survival rate was found for SASP. In 9% of the patients, SASP could be withdrawn as a complete remission was obtained. Adverse reactions occurred mainly during the first 3 months of treatment, and in 20% of patients these were severe enough to stop treatment. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions were most frequently observed, and all adverse reactions were completely reversible after treatment withdrawal. Treatment was started with a standard dose of 2000 mg/day. However, in approximately 30% of the patients, this dose was increased up to 3000 mg/day and, in another 30%, the dose was decreased to 1,500 or 1,000 mg/day.
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
P L
PL
van Riel
A M
AM
van Gestel
L B
LB
van de Putte
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine