How Effective and What is the Cost and Cost Benefit of Sulfasalazine?

ByPrimary Researcher

Executive Summary

  • Sulfasalazine is taken for autoimmune disorders.
  • What was never done with Sulfasalazine’s FDA approval was to evaluate any cost-benefit for this drug.

Introduction

Sulfasalazine has significant side effects for improvement against autoimmune diseases. This article will begin by discussing its financial costs and then move into covering its cost-benefit relationship.

The Sulfasalazine Cost

Generally, in the US, generic Sulfasalazine is very inexpensive.

The brand name Sulfasalazine is around $200 for the same quantity.

Comments on Sulfasalazine

The following comments are from Drug.com on Sulfasalazine.

Comment #1: Shocking Results and Benefits?

“I’ve dealt with joint pains and swelling of my joints that on and off forced me to use crutches at only 22 years old. (And several other symptoms) Predinisone was the only medication helping me deal with the worst of my pains. My doctor suggested I start taking sulfasalazine about 5 months ago and I was shocked at my results. I haven’t felt this healthy in a very long time. Sulfasalazine helped me getting my life back and I am so grateful for my results. I’ve had no side effects that Ive noticed except for the headaches I got when I started taking the medication.”

Comment #2: 6 Weeks Until Kicking In?

“I have been taking sulfasalazine for 19 years, the age of my son. As a baby I could not lift him, my wrists were too painful. My rheumatoid arthritis was in 15 joints, symmetrical, etc. I was on the Dutch COBRA study, combining sulfasalazine, methotrexate and prednisone, except I was in the placebo group getting only sulfasalazine. It kicked in after 6 weeks and do far has worked well. Some issues with my left foot started a year ago, but it doesn’t stop me hiking in The Alps for a week.”

Comment #3: Life Given Back?

“Sulfasalazine literally gave me my life back 9 yrs ago. I was so ill ; in & out of hospitals, steroids, taking 20+ pills a day & I was still extremely sick. I finally went to Philly (where on my first visit, they were planning my surgery to remove my colon..during that conversation I stopped listening.) My dr. suggested I give Sulfasalazine a try – before surgery. At that point, I would have done anything. Honestly I did not believe anything would work since I had this disease for years and could barely function. The Sulfasalazine worked like magic – it is liquid gold – I have never had any side effects or adverse reactions – I have been in remission ever since!”

Comment #4: Methotrexate Caused Liver Problems?

“Diagnosed with RA 9 years ago. Have been on hydroxycloroquine and methotrexate- had liver problems so have had to come off the metho. Started this drug 2 and a half weeks ago. Mild symptoms at first nothing too bad but 3 days ago I upped the dose as prescribed and have had intense head and neck pain since. Pain has been so bad I was taken into hospital last night.