Sazo 500 Tablet

Composition of Sazo 500 Tablet

Sazo 500 Tablet contains Sulfasalazine (500mg). It belongs to the Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) prodrug; Sulfonamide-containing DMARD class of medicines.

Uses of Sazo 500 Tablet

• Treatment of ulcerative colitis (acute flares and maintenance)
• Crohn’s colitis (adjunct/selected cases)
• rheumatoid arthritis (DMARD) including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (as prescribed).

Key benefits

• Helps control ulcerative colitis symptoms
• Maintains remission in ulcerative colitis
• Reduces joint pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis
• Decreases intestinal inflammation and bleeding
• Improves quality of life in chronic inflammatory conditions

How Sazo 500 Tablet works

Sulfasalazine is converted in the colon to 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine. It reduces intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease and also modulates immune/inflammatory pathways to reduce joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

How to take Sazo 500 Tablet

Tablet for oral use. Take exactly as prescribed, preferably after food with a full glass of water. Swallow whole (do not crush/chew) and maintain good hydration; dosing is usually started low and increased gradually to reduce stomach upset.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of SazO 500 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine may cause bloating and loose motions. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Sazo 500 Tablet

Most side effects of Sazo are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• headache
• dizziness
• rash
• fever
• reversible low sperm count
• orange/yellow discoloration of urine/skin
• elevated liver enzymes

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Sazo 500 Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Use only on prescription. Inform doctor if you have allergy to sulfonamides or salicylates, G6PD deficiency, liver or kidney disease, asthma, blood disorders, or intestinal/urinary obstruction. Can cause serious skin reactions (SJS/TEN), blood dyscrasias (low WBC/platelets), hepatotoxicity, and worsening of ulcerative colitis in rare cases—seek urgent care for rash, mouth ulcers, fever, sore throat, unusual bruising/bleeding, yellowing of eyes/skin. Regular monitoring of CBC and liver function is advised. May reduce folate levels—supplementation may be recommended. Avoid excessive sun exposure if photosensitivity occurs.

Do not take Sazo if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Probiotics are used with caution in people whose immune system is significantly suppressed.

Interactions with other medicines

Methotrexate (increased toxicity risk), azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine (myelosuppression risk), warfarin (may alter anticoagulant effect), digoxin (reduced absorption), oral antidiabetic medicines (enhanced hypoglycaemia risk), sulfonylureas, phenytoin (altered levels), folic acid (reduced absorption), certain antibiotics that alter gut flora (may change effect).

How to store Sazo 500 Tablet

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep in original blister pack and out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Sazo 500 Tablet

SazO 500 Tablet may take 6-8 weeks to show effects. Continue taking it as prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids while taking SazO 500 Tablet to help prevent kidney issues, including kidney stones. Do not take SazO 500 Tablet if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs or aspirin. SazO 500 Tablet may cause your skin, urine, saliva, and tears to appear orange or yellow in color. This is normal and not harmful. Regular blood tests are necessary while taking this medicine to monitor liver function, kidney function, and blood component levels. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

WALLACE

Therapeutic class:

Anti-inflammatory (IBD) / DMARD

Drug class:

Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) prodrug; Sulfonamide-containing DMARD

Chemical class:

Azobenzenes