I had a severe reaction to sulfa. When I noted that the Lialda that I was recently prescribed had sulfasalazine, I called my doctor. Was told safe to take. I am pretty nervous about taking it. I see Lialda says usually not an issue for those with sulfa allergies but I also found on line that I should absolutely not take any drug with sulfasalazine. What is the recommendation?
I had a severe allergic reaction to sulfa years ago. Hospitilized for 5 days?
- Posted:
- 26 Apr 2010 by jsouthward
- Topics:
- lialda, allergic reactions, sulfasalazine
Details:
Answers (2)
pattishan6126 Apr 2010
I am not a doctor or a nurse, but I will tell you that pharmacists are the true experts on medications. Definitely run it past the pharmacists. Allergy to sulfa drugs are common and usually severe. If you were hospitalized for an allergy to sulfa based drug years ago, then you had an extreme reaction and I am betting the pharmacist will advise against taking this medication.
26 Apr 2010
Hi. I understand your uncertainty, you had quite the allergic reaction!
Unless your reaction was specifically to sulfasalazine, you should be fine. Sulfasalazine is a molecule that has two components: 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine. The sulfapyridine part is a sulfa drug that can cause an allergic reaction, while the 5-ASA is responsible for many of its beneficial effects in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Lialda is basically sulfasalazine but with the sulfa group taken away so that only the 5-aminosalicylate is left.
So Lialda does not contain sulfa, only 5-aminosalicylate. If your reaction was because you took sulfasalazine, then you could be allergic to the salicylate part of the medication (then you might want to ask the doctor again if you should take it.) But if your reaction was to a sulfa antibiotic, you should be free and clear.
I hope that is helpful!
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Thank you both so much! I did call my pharmacist as advised which made me feel better but Rachey, your explanation was the most helpful!! By giving me a full understanding then I feel comfortable taking this med. Mine was to a sulfa antibiotic so can proceed with confidence now!! Thanks again!