Salsalate Tablets

What is this medication?

SALSALATE (SAL sa late) treats arthritis. It works by decreasing pain and inflammation. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amigesic, Argesic-SA, Disalcid, Mono Gesic, Salflex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stomach bleeding or ulcers
• An unusual or allergic reaction to salsalate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medication with food if your stomach gets upset. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medication. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ketorolac
• Probenecid

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acetazolamide
• Alcohol
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Bismuth subsalicylate
• Cidofovir
• Diuretics
• Flavocoxid
• Lithium
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like clopidogrel, ticlopidine, warfarin
• Methazolamide
• Methotrexate
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Varicella virus live vaccine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your pain does not get better. Talk to your care team before taking another medication for pain. Do not treat yourself.

This medication does not prevent a heart attack or stroke. This medication may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase the longer you use this medication or if you have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your care team about using this medication.

Do not take other medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medication. Side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully. This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Tobacco or alcohol use, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if used later in pregnancy. Your care team will monitor you closely if you need to take it between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy. It is not recommended to take this medication after week 30 of pregnancy.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Increase in blood pressure
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.