salsalate

What is the most important information I should know about salsalate?

Salsalate can increase your risk of 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.

What is salsalate?

Salsalate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates).

Salsalate is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatic disorder.

Salsalate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking salsalate?

Salsalate can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. 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. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using salsalate, especially in older adults.

• 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 cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition, if you have any of these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• 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 tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

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

How should I take salsalate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

It may take up to 4 days before you receive the full benefit of taking salsalate. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using salsalate.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since salsalate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking salsalate?

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).

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.

What are the possible side effects of salsalate?

• 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 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.

What other drugs will affect salsalate?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. 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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about salsalate.