Sulphasalazine and lung damage/breathing difficulties

[Gary H]

Following a recent change to my drugs and a change to Sulphasalazine I have suffered severe breathing difficulties and lung damage. I would like to hear from anyone else who has had similar problems and what has been done about it. I understand the incidence of this happening are extremely small and therefore not much information out there. Any thoughts, help or experiences would be appreciated.

Gary

 

[Jennifer]

"Despite the increase in sulphasalazine prescribing, pulmonary toxicity remains rare. The majority of patients with suspected sulphasalazine-induced lung disease improved within weeks of drug withdrawal and the need for corticosteroids is debatable." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11999006

Don't know if that helps or not Gary H. I used to take Azulfidine (same thing different name) as a child and I recall it making me very sick. Once I was taken off of it my symptoms went away (I don't recall what they were exactly off the top of my head though). I was switched to Asacol (mesalamine) after that.

Are you talking permanent damage or is this something that will heal over time as the lungs are able to heal themselves? Sorry for the late reply.