Salsalate

Salsalate is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to a group of drugs known as salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates).

Salsalate helps to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and ease joint stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatic disorder.

Salsalate may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that effectively treats your condition.

It may take up to 4 days for you to experience the full benefits of taking salsalate. Your doctor will decide how long you should take salsalate.

This medicine can change the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are taking salsalate.

If you need surgery, dental work, or any medical procedure, inform your healthcare professional that you are currently taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking it for a short period.

If you take this medicine for a long time, you may need regular medical tests.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use salsalate if you have severe kidney disease, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin, an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), or other salicylates.

Salsalate can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Salsalate may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Salsalate can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Salsalate may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly. These issues can happen without warning while you are taking salsalate, especially in older adults.

You should not take salsalate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease; or
• a history of severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin, an NSAID, or other salicylates.

Do not take this medicine if you have a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Salicylates can lead to Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition, if you have any of these illnesses.

Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure;
• a stroke or heart attack;
• swelling or fluid retention;
• a stomach ulcer;
• bleeding in your stomach or intestines;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma; or
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder.

If you are pregnant, you should not take salsalate unless your doctor advises you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can lead to serious heart or kidney issues in the unborn baby and potential complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Speak with your doctor about any risks.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Salsalate may cause serious side effects. Stop using salsalate and call your doctor right away if you have:

• swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• pale skin, unusual tiredness, cold hands and feet;
• liver problems--nausea, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or
• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, balance problems.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from salsalate.

Common side effects of salsalate may include:

• nausea;
• hearing problems;
• a spinning sensation;
• rash; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

3000 mg orally per day in 2 or 3 divided dosesComments:-Lower doses may be necessary to achieve therapeutic blood concentration and to avoid more common side effects (e.g., auditory effects).-Alleviation of symptoms is gradual and full benefit may not be achieved for 3 to 4 days.Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related rheumatic disorder

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

3000 mg orally per day in 2 or 3 divided dosesComments:-Lower doses may be necessary to achieve therapeutic blood concentration and to avoid more common side effects (e.g., auditory effects).-Alleviation of symptoms is gradual and full benefit may not be achieved for 3 to 4 days.Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related rheumatic disorder

Since salsalate is taken as needed, you may not have a set dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include ringing in your ears, headache, confusion, severe dizziness or drowsiness, sweating, fast breathing, severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines that may contain a salicylate (such as aspirin, magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate, diflunisal, Ecotrin, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to salsalate (such as aspirin, choline salicylate, or magnesium salicylate).

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how salsalate will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

If you are also taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, do not stop taking it or change your dose without your doctor's advice. Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

Avoid smoking, since it can also increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking. Many drugs can affect salsalate, especially:

• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• naproxen;
• phenytoin;
• penicillin;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• oral diabetes medicine;
• heart or blood pressure medication--benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril;
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
• steroid medicine--prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others.

This list is not complete, and many other drugs may affect salsalate. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.