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Having IBS And RA. Took Sulfasalazine 2000 Mg. Feeling Stiffness And Burning In Legs, Loss Of Appetite. Advice?
Question: Hi, I am a patient of IBS and RA, I am HLA B27 +...I visited a gaestro for my IBS problem, all tests including colonoscopy are normal, he suggested me to a reumatologist, I was prescribed sulfasalazine 2000 mg/day,
after taking it for 15 days had serious side effects which includes dry mouth, stiffness and burning/tingling sensation in legs, loss of appetite. after this I stopped taking this medicine. I am now having burning sensation and tingling pain in my foot, RA and IBS is not a concern for me now as I have adapted to them, but the new problem is very annoying. I checked on the internet and found that it can be related to nerve or vitamin deficiency. I cannot try medicines randomly due to my IBS as it can upset my stomach..I have started taking becosules since last 2 days...also heard about neurobian forte...m afraid to take other medicines due to my ibs..please advise
after taking it for 15 days had serious side effects which includes dry mouth, stiffness and burning/tingling sensation in legs, loss of appetite. after this I stopped taking this medicine. I am now having burning sensation and tingling pain in my foot, RA and IBS is not a concern for me now as I have adapted to them, but the new problem is very annoying. I checked on the internet and found that it can be related to nerve or vitamin deficiency. I cannot try medicines randomly due to my IBS as it can upset my stomach..I have started taking becosules since last 2 days...also heard about neurobian forte...m afraid to take other medicines due to my ibs..please advise
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
1) As mentioned you are suffering from RA and IBS, you have to take medicine for both ailments. Most of the medicines have side effects including abdominal upset.
2) Yes, your complaints may be due to nerve compression/ neuropathy (metabolic involvement of nerves)/ vitamin deficiency.
3) Although Sulfasalazine used for RA may cause abdominal discomfort and tingling sensation in feet and fingers, but it is one of the commonly used medicine for RA.
4) You can for other drugs such as Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Hydrochloroquine but remember all these medicines have few side effects.
5) You should also consult with physician/ gastroenterologist for your IBS. You abdominal symptoms may be due to IBS, not because of Sulfasalazine. Get proper examination and medicine for IBS.
6) You should also consult with neurologist and go for detailed neurological examination and Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies. Any neurological deficit may be cause of your tingling/ burning sensation in foot, not sulfasalazine.
7) You should again take consultation with rheumatologist and get another prescription with other medicine for RA. Delay/ negligence may progress your arthritis problem.
Get well soon,
Best Regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Thanks for posting your query.
1) As mentioned you are suffering from RA and IBS, you have to take medicine for both ailments. Most of the medicines have side effects including abdominal upset.
2) Yes, your complaints may be due to nerve compression/ neuropathy (metabolic involvement of nerves)/ vitamin deficiency.
3) Although Sulfasalazine used for RA may cause abdominal discomfort and tingling sensation in feet and fingers, but it is one of the commonly used medicine for RA.
4) You can for other drugs such as Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Hydrochloroquine but remember all these medicines have few side effects.
5) You should also consult with physician/ gastroenterologist for your IBS. You abdominal symptoms may be due to IBS, not because of Sulfasalazine. Get proper examination and medicine for IBS.
6) You should also consult with neurologist and go for detailed neurological examination and Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies. Any neurological deficit may be cause of your tingling/ burning sensation in foot, not sulfasalazine.
7) You should again take consultation with rheumatologist and get another prescription with other medicine for RA. Delay/ negligence may progress your arthritis problem.
Get well soon,
Best Regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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