side effects of sulfasalazine

i have hepitis c but have unrelated artiritis- i am not treating for hep c except i am taking a chineses herb mixture call- sho-saiko-to -for my artiritis i am on celebrex-200 miligrams daily-my biggest pain now is in my left hand -two of my fingures are not very mobile-and stiff and painful- i just started taken sulfasalazine 500 mg because i read an article that it helps with fibrosis of the liver and cirrouss- i am wondering if there is any drug interaction that you are aware of between sulfalazine and sho-saiko-to- i will be treating with intereron for hep c this year but mean time i need to pick a artiritis drug and i dont think celbrex is good for my heart-thank you w.s.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not familiar with sho-saiko-to.  

After doing some research, I could not find a specific drug interaction between this herb and sulfasalazine - however that doesn't may that one does not exist.  

Close monitoring of the liver enzymes can be considered to ensure that these combination of drugs does not do any hepatic damage.  

I would discuss this question with your personal physician before starting on the regimen.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[brysy]

A related discussion, hep c was started.