Shortage of arthritis drug sulfasalazine looms

A shortage of arthritis medicine sulfasalazine is looming, the Dutch Arthritis Association warns. The drug will likely only be available in a limited fashion until March nest year. This could affect, and lead to health risks for 16 thousand users, according to the association, ANP reports.

Sulfasalazine is a popular treatment for arthrithis and often prescribed to pregnant women because it has few side effects. Switching to a new drug creates the uncertainty of more side effects or even the arthritis symptoms returning, according to he association.

The Arthitis Association therefore urges the government and the sulfasalazine producer to take immediate action.