HomeAnswersRheumatologysjogren's syndromeMy wife has Sjogren's syndrome and takes Sulfasalazine. Advise.

Does taking tablet Sulfasalazine impair my Sjogren's syndrome affected wife's Type 1 interferon production?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 22, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My wife has had Sjogren's syndrome and related rheumatoid arthritis for about ten years. She has been experiencing a flare for five months now, which has migrated from her knees to her heel and hands. She is nearing 70. She is currently on tablet Sulfasalazine 500 mg, two in the morning and two at night. Occasionally she takes tablet Ibuprofen 800 mg for pain. Studies indicate that tablet Sulfasalazine impairs Type 1 interferon production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which can inhibit the immune system from battling the COVID-19 virus. As such, tablet Sulfasalazine has increased the risk of a severe outcome from COVID by 360 percent, or a 3.6 odds ratio. In an international journal, patients with a COVID infection were evaluated, in which 390 (10.5 percent) died. Contrastingly, initial studies by a leading medical center reported rheumatic disease patients were not at increased risk.

So I wonder what my wife's risk is, mainly since she is on tablet Sulfasalazine. Would it be better for her to switch to tablet Methotrexate, as that has been shown to have a lower odds ratio of increased risk?

Please advise me, doctor.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It differs from person to person. Some people have a higher risk, while some do not. But since she has Sjogren's, I would suggest you continue with the same medicine and take precautions for COVID. Even if she stops the medication, there are chances that she may get other infections. So the best way is to continue with the same and take proper precautions. Every person has a different body and immunity. So do not worry about anything.

Thanks and regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sugreev Singh
Dr. Sugreev Singh

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Rheumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy