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:

1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2002), 39 (12), 91-95.
2. MeReC Bulletin 2007;17(5):1-8.