Monitoring for safety
Sulphasalazine is potentially toxic and so must be carefully monitored (1,2).
FBC, LFTs
- every 1-2 weeks for 2 months; then 3-monthly for a year; then 6-monthly
Watch for trends as well as absolute levels of:
- Hb & MCV
- differential WCC
- platelets
Any patient receiving sulphasalazine should be advised about the need to have a full blood count immediately if they develop unexplained purpura, bleeding, bruising, sore throat, fever or excessive tiredness (1).
FBC, LFTs Every 1-2 weeks for 2 months; then 3-monthly for a year; then 6-monthly
Ideally results should be recorded in a patient-held booklet.
Reference:
- Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2002), 39 (12), 91-95.
- MeReC Bulletin 2007;17(5):1-8.
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