Is it safe to take Sulfasalazine and Naproxen together?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have psoriatic arthritis and was previously on Methotrexate, which gave me bad side effects. So, my consultant advised switching to Sulfasalazine 500 mg. I started taking it a couple of months after stopping the previous medication. This is my first week on Sulfasalazine. I am currently taking one tablet a day, but from next week, I will be increasing to two tablets a day. Recently, I have been experiencing lower back aches and stiffness in my thighs, making it hard to stand up. I take Naproxen 500 mg about two to three times a week. Is there any issue with taking both medications together? Is it safe? I am undergoing regular blood tests.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You have been managing psoriatic arthritis, which is already a heavy burden, and it sounds like Methotrexate did not go well for you due to side effects. That is a common experience, and your doctor was right to suggest switching.

Now that you have started Sulfasalazine, just one tablet a day for now, it is understandable that you are closely observing how your body reacts. Since Sulfasalazine works slowly and can take several weeks to show its full effect, it is not unusual to still feel stiff, especially in your lower back and thighs. That discomfort is likely due to the arthritis still being active, rather than the new medication causing a problem. You have also been taking Naproxen 500 milligrams (mg) a few times a week for pain, and the good news is that Naproxen and Sulfasalazine are commonly used together. They are considered safe when used appropriately, especially since you are being monitored with regular blood tests, which is very important.

Naproxen can sometimes irritate the stomach or affect kidney function, and Sulfasalazine can impact the liver and blood cells, but regular testing helps keep a close watch on these. Based on what you have described, nothing sounds unsafe at this point. You are right to stay cautious and informed. The key right now is to allow Sulfasalazine to build up gradually, stay consistent with your check-ups, and manage symptoms with Naproxen as needed, ideally with food to protect your stomach. If your pain or stiffness worsens over the coming weeks, or if you experience anything unusual like a rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, extreme fatigue, or digestive issues, contact your doctor.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

My best wishes are with you.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.