Disalcid

Generic name: Salsalate [ SAL-sa-late ]
Drug class: Salicylates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 14, 2023.

Uses of Disalcid:

• It is used to treat some types of arthritis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Disalcid?

• If you are allergic to Disalcid (salsalate); any part of Disalcid (salsalate); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have gotten nasal polyps or had swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; unusual hoarseness; or trouble breathing with aspirin or NSAID use.
• If you have any of these health problems: GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding or kidney problems.
• If you have chickenpox or the flu, talk with your doctor.
• If you are taking any other NSAID, a salicylate drug like aspirin, or pemetrexed.
• If you are having trouble getting pregnant or you are having your fertility checked.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take Disalcid (salsalate) if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. You may also need to avoid Disalcid (salsalate) at other times during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking Disalcid (salsalate) during pregnancy.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Disalcid (salsalate).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Disalcid (salsalate) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Disalcid?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Disalcid (salsalate). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Disalcid (salsalate) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• High blood pressure has happened with drugs like this one. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Disalcid (salsalate).
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you smoke, talk with your doctor.
• If you have asthma, talk with your doctor. You may be more sensitive to Disalcid (salsalate).
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• Do not take Disalcid (salsalate) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• If you are taking aspirin to help prevent a heart attack, talk with your doctor.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
• Do not give to children and teenagers who have or are getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections due to the chance of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes very bad problems to the brain and liver.
• Liver problems have happened with drugs like this one. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• If you are 65 or older, use Disalcid (salsalate) with care. You could have more side effects.
• NSAIDs like Disalcid (salsalate) may affect egg release (ovulation) in women. This may cause you to not be able to get pregnant. This goes back to normal when Disalcid (salsalate) is stopped. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking Disalcid (salsalate), call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Disalcid) best taken?

Use Disalcid (salsalate) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take with a full glass of water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of high potassium levels like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; feeling confused; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feeling like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Ringing in ears.
• Hearing loss.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

Related/similar drugs

aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, duloxetine, naproxen, Cymbalta, hydroxychloroquine, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade

What are some other side effects of Disalcid?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Disalcid?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Disalcid (salsalate), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer